[allot2learn]

I can't wait to replace the enviromesh with a bird net over my brussels sprouts. At least then I can water properly in this dry spell and see what's going down without a faff. I'm tempted to do it now and then pick off whatever caterpillar might show itself in the next month. In fact, I'm going to.

I have changed netting this week after finding a recipe for garlic tea. I sprayed my Brussels with it and although there have been plenty of cabbage whites about, they appear not to be picking up the scent of the brassicas.

[Madame Cholet]

I'm just about to sow some perpetual spinach. Wizzard beans will be in October and onion sets. jerusalem articokes will be available soon too. I may have some winter mustard seeds too.

[Snoop]

I know this is a serious heresy, but have you thought about parsnips?

I can hear the gasps all round at such a thought!

But, where I live they don't grow parsnips like in the UK. Here they sow them up till October and pick them when they're still quite small by allotmenteer standards. I guess the size you'd buy them in UK supermarkets if imported from Spain.

I'm about to try some... (my excuse being that my spring-sown parsnips got dug up by dogs and I'd rather have small ones than none at all).

If you live in a mild area, you might do OK.

[Yorkie]

Over here, universal advice is that we need the length of the summer to get them to grow sufficiently for winter; our winters aren't warm enough hence the need to sow in Feb - March (or early April).

But that's not to say someone shouldn't give it a go if they fancy it!!

[seaside]

Not such a bad idea. The weather is set fine for a trouble free germination.
A  month ago I pulled one of my late Spring sown parsnips to see how they were progressing. At just over 3 months old it was a perfect 5" specimen that was sweet enough and eminently edible as a scrubbed mini. I could get a crop of minis  to augment the main crop well before the Winter solstice.

So why not if one lives down South and has a greenhouse. Only a pity the Spanish contingent didn't pipe up sooner .
The remainder of this year's parsnip seeds are sitting in a packet somewhere, when it is more than possible they won't be viable next year. So,  I'm going to give it a go tomorrow. I like an experiment and my greenhouse beetroot last Winter were a success. Won't be the same as my main crop that are doing famously, but the more the greenhouse is occupied, the better I like it.... they'll be turfed out one way or other by March.

[Muls]

I have parsnip seedlings, approx 2" high at the moment, doubt they will do much but worth a shot!

[Snoop]

This member of the Spanish contingent doesn't have an internet connection at home. Sorry for letting you down!