[Ivor Backache]

At a time when space was at a premium I planted out my swedes next to the carrots, and now they have completely covered them.

I started cutting back some of the leaves (some where over 2' long). The swedes themselves were about 5" diameter and already big enough for our winter stews. Last year some were twice that size and there was a lot of waste.

So if I was to cut back all the main leaves, would that restrict the growth of the plant or does the swede continue to bulk up? The type grown is 'marian'.

[mumofstig]

If they are big enough for you already, then pick the row that is swamping the carrots and freeze in cubes.

You can't really stop them from fattening up. You could try sowing them a bit later next year, if you don't like large roots

[Ivor Backache]

Thank you for your reply.
Freezing is not really an option because broad bean/runner beans are now taking priority.
I'll continue to cut them back and sow them later next year.

[stompy]

Pull them now top and tail them and store them whole in a dark cool place.

If you continue to cut them back the root it's self will suffer useing some of it's reserves to put up new growth and turn woody.

Sow some more now in modules and you will still get a crop of smaller swedes for winter/spring use straight from the ground whilst you use these through the summer. 

I sowed mine 3 weeks ago and they have germinated well, they will be getting planted out in a couple of weeks.

[Ivor Backache]

Sow some more now in modules and you will still get a crop of smaller swedes for winter/spring use straight from the ground whilst you use these through the summer. 

Thank you: I have now done that. The original ones are 8 weeks old and there is plenty of time for a second sowing for the size we want.