parsnips

irishwexford

We are re-arranging our beds on allotment so we dug up all the parsnips. Most of them had some canker so hoping to deal with that this year. I was surprised how many we had, took us two evenings to peel, blanch and bake them but bags in freezer now. They tasted so good when I took them out of oven. I have come to the conclusion that the allotment is not saving us money, just paid £60 for manure for the double allotment but we do enjoy it and the produce tastes so good, also it only costs £15 per year rent. Raided an empty allotment (with permission) and found a nice hardwood bench and about 12 autumn raspberry canes which I have planted on ours. This year I will take more care when planting and am reading up on everything also made out my planting journal. Still eating runner beans, swede, leeks, onions, cabbages, kale and carrots from plot,just finished the last of the sweetcorn, it will be a shock when I have to buy veggies again.

conradmum

Sounds like you're doing really well.

I just wanted to say it's worth phoning around any local stables to see if they give their manure away. You'd have to go and collect it, but it would be free. I've never had to pay for manure in 15 years of gardening.

wssla00

can you eat parsnips with canker?

Bangerchick

You can eat them, just give them a peel as it is normally only on the surface

oldsam

If grow the you what cannot find in the Shops , I am working on growing Beans of different colours the French climbing types come in yellow, blue/purple and striped, -Red sprouts , Now is the time to plan the Allotment and put something unusual on the list and you end up with something special on your plate, With 5kg costing from £1-50 in the shop at moment - I have grown all the Potatoes for the family for the last 25 years producing at least 5-6 bags but mine are super spuds - full of flavour and top in goodness- These keep us in spuds from July to April - Think of this way good food + good health - Is cheaper than the chemist for pills .

irishwexford

Good idea. OH wants to grow different coloured carrots and different strains of the usuals. Our potatoes were very tasty but we gave lots to our children so used them up. Parsnips are ok with canker, just need a good peel. We have an extra allotment next door now so will grow lots of tatties this year, earlies, middles and main crop. I had an excellent crop of carrots last year, still using them from freezer, I grew earlies and grew a late crop under clotch.
I agree its good in the fresh air and the excerise can't be bad.

irishwexford

Thanks conradmum
We have to have the manure delivered as we do not have a trailer. Most of us are supplied by the same farmer and OH is putting it down so thick it should do us for two or three years. For beginners we are doing very well, munching our way through home grown veggies all year. Must have green fingers or very good manure