Topic: Strange things to grow

[boxingtortoise]

I have set aside a little plot on my allotment for 'peculiarities'! So far we have decided on a massive pumpkin and squash and a Kale (walking stick) plant, and maybe a couple of sunflowers. Can anyone suggest any other unusual/strange plants to grow?

[Beer_Belly]

I fancy having a go at Salsify and Scorzonera next year

[Palefire]

Purple Cauliflower?

Love, Palefire

xxx

[cdchater]

I don't know how 'peculiar' it is, but my friend grows swiss chard (bright lights variety) and says its fantastic! Loads of different pastel colour stems, and apparently her kids love eating them because they get to choose which colour they want each night! I'd never heard of it before, but I'm going to give it a go!

Regards,
Claire

[boxingtortoise]

Forgot to mention - these things need not be edible - just weird looking, or big!!

[Ceri]

when I was a kid, my dad would let me have a bit of his veg garden space to grow gourds - wild and wonderful - not edible though.  Romanesco is a really unusual vegetable that is very difficult to buy - globe artichokes are expensive to buy, and are perennial.  Jerusalem artichoke - apparently grows really tall and makes a good screen.

[Beer_Belly]

You could try growing some shoe trees but I hear you need rocking horse manure in order to get them to germinate  ;)

[Tenuse]

Grow your own lentils  ;D

[ina]

I grew some purple french beans this year, surprised a lot of people. You can see the picture on the gallery. -Ina

[cleo]

Try a cardoon-huge great thing that (in theory) you can blanch and eat.

Beer Belly-salsify and scorzonera are easy-give them a go.

Stephan(the old man-50 today :) :)

[gavin]

Better still, Beer_Belly - salsify and scorzonera are delicious!

And Romanesco - easy to grow, stunning flavour, and amazing to look at.

All best, Gavin

[Mrs Ava]

;D Happy birthday Stephan!!  ;D

[merv]

Happy Birthday Stephan!

Swiss Chard is excellent. It over-winters and the leaf is used as Spinach and the stalk is braised as Celery.  I use it all the time in stir-frys and curries.

Globe Artichokes are great.  I have 6 plants and it's like the Day of The Triffids (growing to nearly 2m), but at the same time most delicious after being boiled for 20 mins, let to cool, then eaten with melted butter or, in my case, Vinegrette.