Silver beet
A great crop for just about the whole year round and it is good value for money producing a green leafy vegetable high in iron. It can be used as a side vegetable on the plate or used in a variety of dishes as a green vegetable. E.g. lasagne, casseroles (put in at the end), baby food and young leaves in salads.
Sow seed from September onward BUT only sowing a few seeds at a time to get between 6 – 12 plants or more depending upon household or extended family size. The seeds are large and can be a little stuck together so care required. Sow into in a small container or a small seed bed. I prefer a small container or even an old seedling 6 pack.
When well rooted and sturdy prepare the garden soil and plant out. Plant out at 25 cm centres so they can grow quickly and fill out faster. They will grow best in soil just used for peas or dwarf beans as they take advantage of the additional nitrogen form the legumes. Water well.
As they grow ensure they get plenty of nutrients for compost or occasional general fertilizer. Keep watered.
Young leaves can be picked when growing well and larger leaves later.
When picking starts prepare the next batch of seedlings to go in so you have a succession of silver beet.
The last plantings in March will be slower growing but will grow through the winter and provide a fresh winter vegetable.
Sow seed from September onward BUT only sowing a few seeds at a time to get between 6 – 12 plants or more depending upon household or extended family size. The seeds are large and can be a little stuck together so care required. Sow into in a small container or a small seed bed. I prefer a small container or even an old seedling 6 pack.
When well rooted and sturdy prepare the garden soil and plant out. Plant out at 25 cm centres so they can grow quickly and fill out faster. They will grow best in soil just used for peas or dwarf beans as they take advantage of the additional nitrogen form the legumes. Water well.
As they grow ensure they get plenty of nutrients for compost or occasional general fertilizer. Keep watered.
Young leaves can be picked when growing well and larger leaves later.
When picking starts prepare the next batch of seedlings to go in so you have a succession of silver beet.
The last plantings in March will be slower growing but will grow through the winter and provide a fresh winter vegetable.