Fresh Veg and Open Pollinated Seeds

Food picked from the garden yesterday:

Turnip, Brussel tops, two types of Radish, Leeks, Chinese Cabbage and Kale. Shallots and Garlic from shed.

The C. Cabbage Turnips and Radish were planted in October as an experiment.

When I was younger gardening with my dad the soil was left vacant during winter except for brussels, cabbage and Leeks. I wondered if here in cold dreich Scotland, it was possible to get an extra crop in. Well it was! Its worth experimenting. Smaller than the summer veg but still fresh and good. The veg is going to be used to make some spicy Korean pickle Kimchi, watch this space.

I thought I would do a post for anyone wishing to grow their own veg for the first time this year.

Among many other things in a new veg plot the seed variety’s used are important. If your new to growing the choices can seem bewildering.

Most old open pollinated variety’s are good and that’s why they have lasted the test of time.

When choosing for the Scottish climate try and find some local veg gardeners, and find out what they use and what works locally on your soil and climate.

For more traditional open pollinated varieties I would recommend the real seed company:

www.realseeds.com

You can save seed from these, please read the literature. Seed saving is important and is one of the most important political activities we can do.

Here’s Why:

http://www.primalseeds.org/index.htm

http://homepage.eircom.net/~merlyn/seedsaving.html

http://www.realseeds.co.uk/why.html

If you want low cost local supplies of standard seeds try: www.alanromans.com Seeds from

Fife :0)

- Matthew