A Short Post for the Shortest Day

To mark the winter equinox I went to the plot and dug up our first parsnip.  A single row at the edge of the bed overshadowed by a high grassy path they had been rather overlooked this year, but I have got some return for the very little effort I lavished on them.   Roast parsnips are on for Christmas dinner!
While the parsnips have developed multiple side shoots the carrots growing next door remain nice and cylindrical.  This reverses our tradition of "good parsnips, rubbish carrots"  !

Tapping The Roots

Today I dug up the last of the carrots:

Another crop that was problematic in 2016.  These were from the late second sowing and not much of the crop made it to a size worth picking.  Hoping for better results this year with all new seed sown not too early or too late. Hmmm that makes it late April by my reckoning. (and perhaps a second sowing in early June to be on the safe side)

The roots and brassicas are ruling the roost just now with Jerusalem Artechoke and Parsnip in full flow too. Cabbages and Kale still cropping.  Given that they are both root and brassicas the Swede and Daikon Radish are also plentiful!

Rootin Tootin

Rootin Tootin Burns Night

Looking through the seed packets I seem to have gone a bit root crazy this year: 

Aside from the range of carrots in the top row there's parsnip, the old reliable  "Tender and True",  the annual challenge of celeriac and a collection of oddities I have accumulated in the bottom row - Hamburg Parsley, Scorzonera and Japanese Burdock. But pride of place goes to "Bulbous" or "Turnip Rooted" Chervil"

I tried this last year with seed from an overseas source and it was a complete no show.  Having found a UK supplier I am hoping for success this year. We can all dream!  

Still on the subject of turnip related veg, and in honour of Burns Night (tonight) here's this year's 'neep' or Swedish turnip variety: Melfort. It's skin is green instead of the usual purple, but it is every bit as tasty and sweet.

Swede Melfort