How to Start Oca's Growing

Welcome to HPAA

HPAA Docs

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

Fagiolini in Umido

This is a great dish to use some of the abundant Green Beans that should be available in the summer months Fagiolini in Umido is an Italian dside dish simply means Green Beans cooked in Tomato.

Pasta with Asparagus and Courgette

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

Rhubarb & Custard Cocktail

Rhubarb & custard cocktail
An elegant vodka-based drink that'll wow your guests - it's made with creamy advocaat iqueur and homemade fruit syrup

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 October

October is the month when it feels like the season is about to turn, the days start to shorten and the sun appears lower in the sky, the leaves change colour and fall to the ground and temperatures drop. The first frost are likely too, which will be the end of many of your crops out in the open so if you still haven’t harvested frost sensitive crops now is the time before Jack Frost gets them!

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!

Welcome to HPAA

History of the HPAA

Featured News