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how to grow swede
Fannyadams
Posts: 22
in Fruit & veg
i have notede that i can sow directly into the earth but already put them in pots. i made a similar mistake with my carrots last year and have planted them direct into the ground
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I would always sow any root crop direct into the soil - but as you've already sown them in pots I would plant them out 9 inches apart as soon as they have four leaves (two cotyledons and two proper leaves). Although they're in pots they should be outside - they do not need to be protected and will germinate much better out of doors but not in direct sun.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Swedes dont like root disturbance. I sow mine in paper pots, three seeds to a pot and thin out to the strongest seedling. When big enough I plant the complete pot, hence no root disturbance and no spaces due to lack of germination.The paper rots away in the soil.
I always start my in pots. Then plant them out in the earth. They grow nice and big and taste lovely. So don't worry they will grow fine. Mine do and I have done this for the last 3 years as the ones I sow in the earth get eaten by slugs.
I have never sown Swedes in pots. Sow them directlyand thinly, thin out to between 5 and 9 inches apart depending on size required. One of the easiest veg plants to grow and no rush the can be sown in June.
Thanks for the replies everyone. I have since found advice in Terry Walton's Allotment book and he also says successful swedes can be started in both direct sowing or started in pots.
I bought some swedes in pots from the garden centre this year as I forgot to sow the seeds!! They seem to be going great after I planted them in the beds.
Don't want to rain on your parade, but swedes are best grown by a farmer in a field and purchased from a shop. They are cheap and plentiful and as large or small as you want them.
i know where you are coming from WO but i am at a point where if i can grow SOMETHING is a result. at present i seem to spend more on protection than anything else unfortunately.
Beans, beans and more beans. It is impossible to buy beans as good as those you can grow.