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

Irish Stew with Parsnips

Irish Stew with Parsnips
The Parsnips are by no means traditional in this recipe and are optional but my wife loves them so what you going to do?

Oca or Potato Homity Pie Recipe

Homity Pie

Homity pie is a traditional British open vegetable pie. The pastry case traditionally contains a filling of potatoes and an onion and leek mixture, which is then covered with cheese. It has a history that dates back to the efforts of the Land girls of the Second World War and the restrictions imposed by wartime rationing.

Filo Pie with Swiss Chard, Ricotta Cheese and Tomatoes

Filo Pie with Swiss Chard, Ricotta Cheese, and Tomatoes

Stuck for an idea for how to use Chard, well why not try this 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 February

Time to do some groundwork

We get a glimpse of the early signs of the arrival of Spring this month. The soil begins to warm up around the middle of February and we can see for the first time this year the buds beginning to swell on fruit trees and bushes. Overwintering vegetables begin to look less sorry for themselves and they start to produce new growth.

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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