Last of the winter salad (78 days to go…)
by Max Akroyd
This post is simply a retrospective tribute to some humble salad crops which have been significant contributors to our diet since New Year. Thanks to their existence within the weedy ranks of the polytunnel beds, the first three months of the calendar year aren’t such a fearsome prospect any more.
No one cares about lambs lettuce in July. But in February it’s a godsend. I’ve discovered a few others too, which I’d strongly recommend for sowing in October and cherishing as the Hungry Gap opens up.
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Miner’s lettuce, leaf chicory and various mustards…you couldn’t claim gourmet prizes for any of them (although Amsoi/Indian mustard is very nice indeed) – but that’s not the point. They are friendly, winter stalwarts. Like all good friends they are there when the going is tough.
After a hectic summer it’s tempting to forget about such things. But fiddling around with obscure salad seed as the days start to draw in ensures something green and healthy to eat at the start of spring – which isn’t a nettle!
It’s good to find something that will survive the winter and give you that taste of freshness, I bet you will appreciate these even more this time next year. Double sowings to be on the safe side I think this October.
It’s something I’ll probably be doing too, as we should be moving in October and providing we have the polytunnel erected before the move I should be okay for some speedy sowings to see us through the Winter and early Spring.
Sue xx
Evening Sue,
I was thinking of a double or even triple sowing, but then thought – why not sow every inch of the polytunnel beds with it next October. The seed isn’t expensive and the hens will eat what I can’t…?
I’m sure you’d be fine getting these things in the soil in November if needs must…
Morning Max
I think it’s rather nice to be able to pick a mixture of leaves this time of year.I love root vegtables, cabbage etc but I think fresh crunchy salad leaves lift the spirits a bit while we are waiting for Spring to really get going.
Mary x
Hi Mary,
The main event for vegetables feels so late. It’s June before it gets going properly. Those flower gardeners have it easy in comparison!