 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VEG TALK: GROWING VEG
|
 |
|
 |
MISSED A PROGRAMME?
Go to the Listen Again page |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Growing Veg |
|
|
|
|
|
Growing Celeriac
Charlie Hicks interviewed Al Diggins, vegetable grower for over 40 years, near Ipswich, Suffolk
Celeriac requires a very rich and fertile soil. Lots of organic material is needed. If the soil is in good condition, then celeriac is easy to grow. You need to follow the seasons and follow fairly basic rules. You can sow either later winter/early spring if you want to use a heated propagator, or if you want to sow mid spring you can place seedlings in a cold greenhouse or cloche. Sow in seed trays. Germination is a little erratic so don't expect all the seeds to come up. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out at about 6cm apart in a container about 7 1/2 cm deep. Don't harden off outside until it's warm because if there's a sudden drop in temperature, plants will simulate flowering and will bolt prematurely instead of forming the big swollen root which is celeriac.
Plant in early summer 40cm apart, the base of the stem at ground level. Water in dry spells and keep plants mulched to prevent evaporation. Feed weekly with liquid manure from early summer onwards. Remove all leaves lower down to expose as much of the swelling root as possible.
Celeriac will be ready for harvest from early autumn through to late spring. It can survive temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees centigrade as long as the base is protected. Al uses bracken as there is plenty in his area, but straw or fleece will serve just as well.
Al uses the leaves in soups and salads, but be cautious with the quantity as they have a very strong flavour.
|
|
|
|
|
Don't miss We want to hear your experiences |
|
Gregg is an award-winning food broadcaster who coaches U-12 rugby in his spare time.
Charlie is a greengrocer extraordinaire bringing fruit and veg expertise to the masses.