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STILL STANDING I did a wee bit of tidying up in the vegetable patch tonight, just before it got dark. The hardy white cabbages look pretty disgusting on the outside – all brown and slimy. But peel off the outer leaves, and they are fresh, crisp and succulent. The late sprouts are beginning to regrow, but there are still some good tight sprouts to be picked. And when they are done, the fresh tops can be used like spring greens. And alongside the sprouts, the curly kale has come through the winter admirably. This is one of my favourite winter vegetables. It is traditionally boiled senseless, but is far better lightly boiled for ten minutes or less, and eaten while still slightly crispy.
I still have carrots and beetroot in the ground – I don’t believe in lifting and storing. Okay, so the slugs have their percentage. But those that remain are all the sweeter, juicier and tastier for remaining where nature intended. And don’t be put off by the idea that if slugs puncture a beetroot, it will “bleed” when boiling. Not in my experience. And by the way, beetroot retain their flavour much better if stored in the fridge in their skins after boiling. Don’t peel them until you’re ready to eat them. I had the last of my spring onions tonight. Most varieties stand well through the winter, and don’t mind a bit of frost. Eat them before it gets too mild, though, or they’ll start to run to seed.
Montgomery Sprouts The leeks were finished a couple of weeks ago, but only because I didn’t have enough. Late varieties should stand well into the spring, and nothing quite compares with home-made leek and tattie soup. Which you’ll want to garnish with parsley, of course. From late sowings, I have a plentiful supply of both plain-leaved and curly. Now, add to all this the winter cauliflower which are just beginning to head, and the spring cabbage, planted out in September, which are slowly coming to life, and you will realise there is no excuse for shutting down your garden in winter.
By the way, the first half dozen early tatties are in the ground. I’ll be earthing them up regularly, as soon as they dare to peek above the surface, because a covering of soil will prevent frost damage.
Borecole - Darkibor F1 I had the first earlies (Red Duke of York) on the 21st of June last year. If I beat that this year, you’ll be the first to know. If I don’t, tatties will not be mentioned in this column for a long while. © Mike Clark 2003 |
Better
still, is to use some young kale leaves, shredded, in a salad. It adds a
freshness and a crisp texture to the shop-bought limp lettuce we are
subjected to at this time of year.
There
is no month of the year in which your garden cannot produce some fresh,
healthy vegetables.