This is the journal of my endeavours to grow a range of fruit, veg and flowers from seed, grow organically, and my attempts to create a personal paradise with 1/2 acre of maintained gardens and 1/2 acre wild meadows. Northern Ireland's average daily high temperatures are 18 °C (64 °F) in July and 6 °C (43 °F) in January. Soil type: Clay

Sunday 27 March 2011

Name that Veg (time will tell)

Back in October I sowed some seeds outside in an old wheelbarrow I use as a raised bed (its been good for growing potatoes in the past).

Behind my little plastic plant protectors (recycled water bottles), are either Kale Nero di Toscana or Radish Scarlet Globe....
Here is the unveiling of my little plants, however, what are they?
I've never grown kale or radish before... I'm assuming these are radish plants as kale has dark crinkled leaves. I was actually surprised these plants survived the worse Dec winter on record in Northern Ireland.
One of my weaknesses is plant identification as my regular visitors will know. So am I right about the radish? I know time will tell.
As usual my site manger was there supervising my work. In the background are pink geraniums coming up.

I put more Kale seed and Spinach Beet (perpetual spinach) into my wheelbarrow bed. I really would love to have more raised beds!
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12 comments:

  1. littlekarstar27 March 2011 at 03:13

    What do the bases look like? Radish will already be pink and forming a little bulb! Both are yummmmmmmm!

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  2. becky308627 March 2011 at 04:07

    Looks like radishes to me.

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  3. Mark Willis27 March 2011 at 04:56

    Kelli, I think you are right. They are radishes, not kale. The best time for sowing Kale seeds is in April or May, so that the plants will get big enough to survive the winter.

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  4. ann27 March 2011 at 06:14

    Either way, you'll have a lovely salad.

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  5. HolleyGarden27 March 2011 at 06:59

    I think they are radishes, too. In your second picture, I think I can see a little bit of red on the stems. The radishes will, like Mrs. Bok says, form a little red bulb eventually that peeks up above the ground. Then - enjoy!

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  6. Egretta Wells blog27 March 2011 at 11:32

    I notice your site manager chose a nice moss covered rock to perch on...very tasteful accomadation, I must say. Good luck with your veggies!

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  7. Rainy Day Gardener27 March 2011 at 20:02

    I had to giggle about calling your kitty your site manager. That's a perfect description and I can relate! I hadn't thought of growing potatoes in an old wheel barrow, very clever! I've held off from potatoes thinking I needed a lot more room. I'm going to enjoy reading about your vegetable gardening adventures as I have so much to learn!
    P.S. Yes, I'm planning to divide my primroses, if I thought they'd survive the trip, I'd mail you some! :)

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  8. Ali28 March 2011 at 04:19

    Ooo goodness, I would have no idea. I have never grown either kale or radish, but I hope to correct that this winter (as that's when we grow them here for any of you thinking I am a nutter :))

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  9. Bridget28 March 2011 at 04:54

    Radishes I reckon!

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  10. Anonymous28 March 2011 at 08:13

    It looks like radddish to me, I like the idea of using plastic bottles to protect plants in winter but I'm woried they would blow away in my windy garden. I have just bought some raddish seed so I'd better get sowing. Christina

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  11. Peggy28 March 2011 at 15:15

    Hi Kellee, radishes I would think too, I love the mini cloches! I dont eat kale so have nover grown it but I will plant some for the hens as they seem to like it by all accounts!

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  12. Malay-Kadazan girl28 March 2011 at 22:19

    This is the first time I am growing kale too so I am not sure how the seedling look like. But it does look like radish. Your site manage is very cute.

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