How to Start Oca's Growing

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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

Pasta with Asparagus and Courgette

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

Rhubarb & Grenadine Crumble

Rhubarb & Grenadine Crumble
This has a great twist, the Grenadine adds great colour and taste to the rhubarb that will add that something special to your dessert!

One-Pot Roast Pork Chops with Fennel & Potatoes

Super easy and super tasty dish!

Category: The Growing Season

Jobs to do in March

Spring is starting and the new season is here

Hopefully by now we are now standing on the threshold of Spring and the new gardening season. The days are beginning to lengthen and although it may not feel like it at times the temperatures are slowly increasing day by day. More importantly the longer days are the real trigger to new growth and you will find that with the help of a little protection you can really go for those early sowings

Jobs to do in January

Jobs to do on the Allotment in January
January is generally a very cold month with hard frosts freezing the ground and when the ground isn't frozen it is generally too wet to do much although there are no guarantees with British weather. Looking through my diaries, snow isn't that likely for a prolonged period but you never know.

Jobs to do in April

Spring should be here but watch out for frosts!

Sow seed outdoors
Vegetable growing really takes off this month. Chit and plant out second early potatoes in the first half of the month, maincrop potatoes in the second half. It's also time to sow seed outdoors in well-prepared soil.

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