Can you give us some advice on growing parsnips from seeds? We have been growing them for years without any problems but last year and this year the germination has been almost non-existent. They are new seeds (expiry date 2025), so that's not an issue... Any suggestions greatly appreciated...
How do you grow Kumara in Christchurch? I have three kumara sitting in a small amount of water and am awaiting them to sprout. Once the sprouts are long enough what do I do next and where do I plant them? I was thinking large pots or bags as they would be easy to shift around and the kumara would be contained.
My question is about root crops. Something has been attacking my young carrots. The foliage wilts and when I pull them out, they appear cut or eaten almost at the base with only about 3mm of root still there. What could be attacking them?
My nemesis plant is beetroot, I’m in my 60s now and I’ve never grown a successful crop of beetroot. I’ve tried everything including every tip suggested. What advice do you have for me?
I am having trouble growing radishes. I have tried various places in our garden and several types and brands. I get top growth but nothing underneath. What can I do?
My good crop of parsnips are spoiled buy a brown, rough surface round the crown. What can I do to avoid this next year?
I’ve tried to grow carrots but don’t seem to have much success. Can planting them in the same spot cause problems?
I read that beetroot needs soil that’s rich in compost, sheep pellets, lime, blood and bone. I have always done this, but always with the same result – amazing leaves but tiny beetroot. Can you help?
When growing carrots, beetroot, and parsnips from seed, I water until they have germinated and started growing. I continue to water them each evening. They seem to put on a lot of foliage but the roots are small and seem to stop growing. Am I watering them too often?
My radishes are always all tops and no bottoms. Is it too much nitrogen? We do make our own compost and use that quite liberally. Red beet is also a flop. Can you help please?
I have always managed to grow good shallots, but this year was awful. Are there any special things I should do to get better success e.g. soil wise?