Allotments 4 All

Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: boxingtortoise on October 20, 2003, 20:48:47

Title: Strange things to grow
Post by: boxingtortoise on October 20, 2003, 20:48:47

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?

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: Beer_Belly on October 21, 2003, 09:52:31

I fancy having a go at Salsify and Scorzonera next year

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: Palefire on October 21, 2003, 10:15:47

Purple Cauliflower?

Love, Palefire

xxx

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: cdchater on October 21, 2003, 12:53:08

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

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: boxingtortoise on October 21, 2003, 13:30:52

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

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: Ceri on October 21, 2003, 14:08:48

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.

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: Beer_Belly on October 21, 2003, 14:26:52

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

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: Tenuse on October 21, 2003, 19:38:29

Grow your own lentils  ;D

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: ina on October 21, 2003, 19:53:58

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

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: cleo on October 21, 2003, 20:44:14

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 :) :)

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: gavin on October 22, 2003, 03:38:29

Better still, Beer_Belly - salsify and scorzonera are delicious!

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

All best, Gavin

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: Mrs Ava on October 22, 2003, 13:07:36

;D Happy birthday Stephan!!  ;D

Title: Re: Strange things to grow
Post by: merv on October 22, 2003, 20:17:09

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.