Bennie and the Veg

For the last five Thursdays I have been attending a course in market gardening at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE) run by the resident market gardener Ben Dell.  Ben has been sharing his knowledge with a dozen aspiring market gardeners - myself included.

How's this for an autumn scene?  Yes lots of seedlings, some of which we pupils sowed 3 weeks ago!

Ben is the custodian of a 3/4 acre site forming part of RBGE which he runs on strict ecological principles.  The site is divided into 9 plots each the size of an extra large allotment and provides fresh local produce throughout the year for 3 restaurants.


Here's the current state of play in the Brassica zone:

My first impression was one of shock to see several hundred fennel bulbs ready for cropping (I have a dozen - half of which have bolted)

And here's a cheering autumn sight: a field of leeks.

Ben has been generous in sharing his nuts and bolts knowledge and enthusiasm for local produce grown in accordance with sustainable principles.  Not a week has passed by without an insight or transferable tip.   Thanks Ben.

Bennie