How to Start Oca's Growing

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How to Grow Oca

Oca need to be started off in pots first to get a good crop due to our shorter growing season. I like to use 15cm (6in) pots or larger. Do this about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date as they are frost tender and will suffer badly if frosted. I like to chit mine a little to get them started off, a little like a potato, although they are not related to the potato even though they can be used like a potato.

They do best on a sunny windowsill or conservatory to begin with, on sunny days when the spring air is warm outside I like to put mine out to help harden them off, if this air gets cooler in the afternoon bring them in and don't leave them outside during the night, as cold temperatures will stunt their growth and frosts will kill them off.

I like to use a good quality multi-purpose compost as the growing medium, water regularly but don't over water, they will let you know how they are feeling by their leaves, they start to sag badly when too dry. Try not to let them get too leggy before planting them out.

Category: Recipes

Irish Stew with Parsnips

Irish Stew with Parsnips
The Parsnips are by no means traditional in this recipe and are optional but my wife loves them so what you going to do?

Classic Rhubarb Crumble

Classic Rhubarb Crumble
Growing up this was my favourite dessert & seeing as only my dad and I liked it I always had a massive portion!

Pasta with Asparagus and Courgette

Asparagus and Courgette are made for each other in this dish!

Category: The Growing Season

Jobs to do in May

May is usually one of the busiest months

The soil is warm and the plants growing well. But watch out for a sneaky late frost.

Jobs to do in April

Spring should be here but watch out for frosts!

Sow seed outdoors
Vegetable growing really takes off this month. Chit and plant out second early potatoes in the first half of the month, maincrop potatoes in the second half. It's also time to sow seed outdoors in well-prepared soil.

Jobs to do in September

Jobs to do in September
September marks a change in the seasons, you'll be harvesting the last of your summer crops if you haven't already done so, crops like tomatoes, beans, peppers, sweetcorn will be finishing, but on the other hand the first of the Autumn crops will be nearing ready or may be ready like Apples, Pears, Main Crop Potatoes, Winter Squashes to name but a few!

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