Swedes in Trythogga

Dig the soil deeply and remove stones, then rake it to a fine, even finish for 4th March - 18th March. Do not add fresh manure, as it can make roots fork and split.

Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills around 11th March - 15th April, 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 11th March straight after sowing. Seal the edges well to keep out cabbage root fly and remove the cover only for weeding or thinning.

From 18th April - 25th April, 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 25th April to 1st December, 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 26th July once they are a good size, then keep harvesting through 31st March. 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.