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What veg is this? and other newbie questions
tuffnelljohn
Posts: 284
in Fruit & veg
I was given some plants and stupidly didnt label them!
I think this is a savoy(?). If so, do I pick the leaves off to encourage growth, or leave it til its ready to harvest?
Is this kale or chard (or something else)?
Is this chard?
Should I pick the outer leaves off (to eat) to encourage new growth, or wait til it gets bigger?
This is a squash, but dont know what type. How do I know when its ready to harvest?
Thankyou!
I think this is a savoy(?). If so, do I pick the leaves off to encourage growth, or leave it til its ready to harvest?
Is this kale or chard (or something else)?
Is this chard?
Should I pick the outer leaves off (to eat) to encourage new growth, or wait til it gets bigger?
This is a squash, but dont know what type. How do I know when its ready to harvest?
Thankyou!
0
Posts
Curly kale and cavolo nero are leafy plants so let them get to a decent size - at least 30 to 45cms - then start picking leaves as you need them from around the centre but not the actual growing tip. The lower leaves will be too tough to eat but will carry on feeding the plant. The tip will carry on growing and producing more tender leaves you eat when they're big enough.
Can't see any chard - it has a broad white midrib and spinachy looking leaves unless it's ruby or rainbow in which case it will have narrower ribs in red, orange, yellow......
Your pumpkin looks good. Carry on watering the plant and let it grow on till mid September or later, depending on when frosts start, then harvest it with at least an inch of stalk and store it in a cool, dry, well ventilated spot till you're ready to eat it.
Anyway, @tuffnelljohn you may need to heighten the netting to allow the leaves to get bigger - the white butterflies can and will lay their eggs against the netting. Your plants are looking good though! I usually release my butternut etc. when the plant has died and is not giving any further nourishment to the fruit.