I think that's sensible @dthornely It's all very well if you have a large plot to grow veg in, and can keep wildlife at bay from it too [probably the hardest job!] but in a smaller space, you have to be more selective - about every plant. They have to earn their keep
I've done that too @Uff, but I learned eventually that no matter how much I want to grow something, if it isn't gonna work, it's a waste of time, effort and money
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
We are all different, love parsnips, not bothered by carrots. I grow parsnips and beetroot very successfully. Never cracked it with carrots. On heavy clay here, the only people who have successful carrots on our Allotments grow in raised beds.
I know the go to variety of Carrots is Nantes, but I don't rate them for size or flavour, I grow Speedo which work well for me, and yes raised beds because of heavy clay soil , and can't kneel down.
Pots for me with the carrots - for that reason @Allotment Boy and @purplerallim . Heavy wet soil is no use in my experience. Haven't grown them recently though. Might do some next year just for fun
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
When I was a young man (some time ago now !) I had an allotment beyond my garden boundary fence - it was rent free too (bliss!) and when I started using it an elderly neighbour (the allotment ‘sage”) told me that nobody could grow carrots there -“ a complete waste of time !” Well I ignored him and went ahead anyway ... they were the best carrots I’ve ever grown anywhere ! They stored well too and we had enough for my young family all year round. After that he used to call me the carrot king 😂 just thought I’d share that lil anecdote with y’all as I’m in that sort of mood 😉
I've been reading the threads on this forum for months now and this is the discussion that made me want to join in...who knew carrots and parsnips could be so persuasive?
I took a shot at growing carrots for the first time this summer and I couldn't believe how well they did! I grew them in an old water trough using hugelkultur-type layers of sticks, leaves, manure, and garden soil. For two growing seasons I had cucumbers in the trough, and this year I tried the carrots. Even with a drought for much of the season, my carrots flourished. Just the other day I harvested one that was massive. I'm trying to be better about crop rotation in my little garden, so next summer I'm going to plant them in an old porcelain bathtub that is set up much the same way. My mother loves parsnip so if I have enough room, I'm going to try my hand at those, too.
New England, USA
Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
Good stuff @CrankyYankee- I'm sure you're not really that cranky Have fun growing your veg, and add photos if you want. The site has a bit of a glitch with them, so if you can keep them on the smaller side, that helps with uploading.
Most of the forum members are UK based, which makes info and advice a bit tricky, but we'll do our best if you need help. There's a couple of members who are USA based, so they might be of extra help
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks, @Fairygirl - I've been addicted to the Gardeners' World television program for a few years now, and there are definitely some differences in how and when we can garden, but I can adapt advice and techniques to fit my region. There are so many things to learn here, I'm excited to be a part of this community!
New England, USA
Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
Posts
It's all very well if you have a large plot to grow veg in, and can keep wildlife at bay from it too [probably the hardest job!] but in a smaller space, you have to be more selective - about every plant. They have to earn their keep
I've done that too @Uff, but I learned eventually that no matter how much I want to grow something, if it isn't gonna work, it's a waste of time, effort and money
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Haven't grown them recently though. Might do some next year just for fun
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
just thought I’d share that lil anecdote with y’all as I’m in that sort of mood 😉
I took a shot at growing carrots for the first time this summer and I couldn't believe how well they did! I grew them in an old water trough using hugelkultur-type layers of sticks, leaves, manure, and garden soil. For two growing seasons I had cucumbers in the trough, and this year I tried the carrots. Even with a drought for much of the season, my carrots flourished. Just the other day I harvested one that was massive. I'm trying to be better about crop rotation in my little garden, so next summer I'm going to plant them in an old porcelain bathtub that is set up much the same way. My mother loves parsnip so if I have enough room, I'm going to try my hand at those, too.
Have fun growing your veg, and add photos if you want. The site has a bit of a glitch with them, so if you can keep them on the smaller side, that helps with uploading.
Most of the forum members are UK based, which makes info and advice a bit tricky, but we'll do our best if you need help. There's a couple of members who are USA based, so they might be of extra help
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...