When we grew onions for the first time we didn’t end up with the best results, because although this seemingly easy to grow vegetable comes in several different forms for gardeners to cultivate, choosing the right one at the very start can mean the difference between success and failure. The most heartbreaking moment is when…
Nothing makes me happier than purchasing more and more packets of seeds. Looking through all those colourful sachets showing vegetables and flowers at their best, with new and exciting varieties that promise tastier, more reliable crops being bred all the time. ‘Do I really need that packet of seed?’ Is a question I should ask…
The humble potato is an essential part of our western diets, and it’s quickly replacing grain as a major crop worldwide. And for good reason – potatoes grow faster and do well in worse conditions than grain, not to mention that they’re far more nutritious (think half an adult’s daily dose of vitamin C for…
Celeriac, or celery root, is the unsung hero of root vegetables thanks to its taste and versatility in the kitchen. It can also easily compete for the ugliest vegetable ever grown. Popular in Europe, this hardy plant dates back to the celery leaves growing wild in the Mediteranean. The hardest part about growing celeriac is…
I’ve heard that celery seeds are notoriously difficult to germinate, and sure enough, the very first time I tried, I failed. Not one sprouted celery seed in sight. The following year I changed my method, and I managed to get an impressive germination rate. But the work doesn’t stop there. Celery seedlings grow slowly and…
Peas are some of the easiest and most exciting crops to grow in your garden. They’re among the first spring crops to pop up and their hardy seedlings can easily withstand light frost and cold spells. You can sow pea seeds directly in the ground or undercover and they should provide you with a steady supply of pea shoots and pea pods.