[RJR_38]

This is my first year successfully growing swede and I have noticed that some of them are already big enough to eat. Now I thought they were more of a winter vegetable and I was hoping they would be as I have loads of veg to eat at the moment! Will they keep ok as they are or am I going to have to harvest them?

[DD.]

They'll sit in the ground all winter. Just harvest them as you want them.

[mumofstig]

When did you sow them? perhaps try a little later next year 

[RJR_38]

I sowed them the last week of May - so maybe will try later next year. I'm glad they will just sit there though DD - was hoping that would be the case!

[DD.]

That's about the right time to sow them, it's been a good growing year!  They sit through all weathers, but will last weeks at home if you bring a few home at a time if you can't get to the plot because of the weather.

[Nobbie]

Not sure what downsides there are to sowing earlier? Could they bolt in the first year if sown too early? I've never seen it myself. The later you sow, the less time they have to recover if they get hit by the numerous pests that seem to want to eat them - flea beetle, pigeons, caterpillars, rabbits

[georget]

My swedes are very poor this year no size at all must be something lacking in the soil might try a feed of nettle tea!The tops are there but not growing.

[RJR_38]

Thanks everyone I will just be pleased that they are doing so well then. I honestly don't know what the weather has been like here for the past 3 1/2 weeks but the plants must have loved it because everything is huge. Even the squash plant I thought was dying has taken over the world and has 4 decent size squash (and a baby) on it!

[beesrus]

They  keep well in the ground for an age. I'm of Nobbie's school of thought, no reason not to sow earlier if you have the mild climate. It's a big crop down this way ( turnips in correct Cornish parlance ) .. they certainly can be held up drastically, if not terminally, by flea beetle and rogue birds.

My first batch were sown in mid April and are rather large given the weather, and the odd pastie or three have already been filled by some beauties. Pasties are an all year round delicacy.
My second batch were sown 3 June, and will take care of the New Year/Spring requirements given a fair wind.

[BumbleJo]

Will deff so mine earlier next year, did it after hols mid June this year, been battling flea beetle ever since.  A few look they might come through but lost a lot. 

[brokenglass]

Every time I have tried to leave them in the ground until I need them they have become very woody.      Is this down to irregular watering/feeding/temperature variation or just bad luck?

[Beetroot Queen]

I maybe tempting fate but mine are looking good, neglect and lack of care and worry have done well this year