Swedes in Barr's Cottage

Dig the soil deeply and remove stones, then rake it to a fine, even finish for 18th April - 2nd May. Do not add fresh manure, as it can make roots fork and split.

Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills around 25th April - 30th May, then water the row in well. Keep the soil moist while seedlings establish, and sow a second short row 21 days later if you want a longer harvest period.

Cover the bed with fine insect-proof mesh from 25th April straight after sowing. Seal the edges well to keep out cabbage root fly and remove the cover only for weeding or thinning.

From 2nd June - 9th June, thin seedlings gradually to the final spacing so the roots can swell properly. Water the bed first, then remove the weakest plants with a small pull rather than disturbing the rest.

From 9th June to 29th September, keep the bed evenly moist in dry spells and hoe off weeds before they compete with the crop. Check the mesh stays tight after rain and wind, and water at the base rather than over the foliage.

Lift roots from 9th September once they are a good size, then keep harvesting through 27th January. In light, free-draining soil you can leave some in the ground and take them as needed, but lift them before the roots become coarse.