Swede & Turnip Seed Selection

Whilst similar in appearance, these are in reality two very different vegetables. Whilst Swedes store extremely well, Turnips are best eaten as soon as harvested. We think both are highly underrated vegetables (maybe because of the dreaded mashed Swede at school?) and so have blended both together - making growing both crops in a single row an economic option; hopefully we can encourage people to start eating them again!

The Turnips should be harvested and eaten fresh during the Summer and early Autumn - and don't forget to eat the 'Turnip Tops' which can be steamed and used as you would 'Spring Greens'. We like to eat our Turnips when they are billiard ball size or smaller.

The Swedes are best left until the Autumn for harvesting - and can in fact be left in the ground over Winter should you wish.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects if allowed to 'go over' and flower (so if you have room leave any plants in that have gone too far rather than pulling them out straight away).

• Sow thinly in ¾" (2 cm) deep drills 12" (30 cm) apart from April until mid July.
• Thin to 6" - 8" (15 - 20 cm) apart when large enough to handle.
• Harvest Turnips when approximately 4" (10 cm) or less in diameter and use 'immediately'
• Harvest Swedes in the Autumn when approximately 4" - 6" (10 - 15 cm) in diameter and store in a clamp. Alternatively leave in the ground and harvest as required.

• Top Tips
• Keep well watered in dry spells to avoid bolting.
• Any Turnips that become woody can be left in the ground and grown for 'Turnip Tops' - up to three cuts can be taken from each plant.
• Swedes left in the ground will become woody overtime - so lifting and clamping is very worthwhile. If leaving in the ground protect the tops with straw or similar to slow the onset of woodiness.