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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: STHLMgreen on January 27, 2007, 16:52:35

Title: buying mini-veg seeds
Post by: STHLMgreen on January 27, 2007, 16:52:35
I was out doing shopping last nice and was enticed by the racks of seeds for this season.

Mini courgettes and mini cucmbers caught my eye but I was shocked by the price. Five times the price of most of the seed packets and each contained only six seeds.

I thought that mini veg many cost a bit more, but wow. So, are they that expensive everywhere or do you know of any slightly cheaper place to buy mini-veg? If so I may pick some up next time I'm in the UK.

Thanks!
STHLMgreen
Title: Re: buying mini-veg seeds
Post by: saddad on January 27, 2007, 17:29:42
Just grow normal ones and pull them earlier?
;D
Title: Re: buying mini-veg seeds
Post by: manicscousers on January 27, 2007, 18:01:13
yes, mini carrots, beetroot, leeks, all easy to pick early and, if you plant closer, they're mini-er anyway  ;D
Title: Re: buying mini-veg seeds
Post by: supersprout on January 27, 2007, 18:07:34
Quote from: saddad on January 27, 2007, 17:29:42
Just grow normal ones and pull them earlier?
;D

That's what I do too dad, varieties with fast-growing habit and/or compact shapes e.g. beetroot Boltardy or Pronto, carrot Paris Market or Parmex, cauliflower All the Year Round.
Title: Re: buying mini-veg seeds
Post by: Curryandchips on January 27, 2007, 18:16:35
My 'mini' carrots, the size of my little finger, are just thinnings in June, and are eagerly awaited for every year. Probably cost a small fortune in a supermarket, to me they started off as just stuff to get rid off, then tasted them with aioli, and found them first class. I presume most other very young veg are equally delicious, but I would not pay an enhanced price for 'mini' seed, that is just profiteering in my eyes.

Derek :)
Title: Re: buying mini-veg seeds
Post by: cornykev on January 27, 2007, 18:17:50
Saves time, space and money what more do you want.   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: buying mini-veg seeds
Post by: manicscousers on January 27, 2007, 18:18:38
yes, it's like the last little sweetcorn that doesn't fill out, we use them in stir fries, they're sold as baby sweet corn and are quite expensive  :)
Title: Re: buying mini-veg seeds
Post by: saddad on January 27, 2007, 21:41:35
We actually do grow Minipop sweetcorn for stir fries... each plant produces between 12-20 small cobs...
;D
Title: Re: buying mini-veg seeds
Post by: cambourne7 on January 27, 2007, 21:50:23
hi

I have also been told to look out for a thai variaty for mini sweetcorn.

Do you know if you can save the seed for mini sweetcorn like you can for the larger ones?

Cambourne7
Title: Re: buying mini-veg seeds
Post by: kenkew on January 27, 2007, 22:17:46
Mini's come to maturity quicker, they are different from picking regular crops early. Something to do with the sugar conversion....personally, if I wanted small veg I'd just pick earlier with most of them. My taste isn't that akquet. ( Can't spell the other acute thing). ???