Do you grow unusual edibles?

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I am working on a new book project which is all about people who grow unusual edibles. I would like to include profiles of several growers (some famous, some not). I have some people in mind, but I also know that there are plenty of growers out there that I don’t know by name and it would be interesting to see what they’re up to!

So, if you do grow unusual edibles (i.e. things that are out of the ordinary in kitchen gardens in your part of the world) and you would like to be considered for inclusion, then please send me an email with the answers to the following questions (or leave a comment):

  1. What unusual edibles do you grow? If you only grow a few, then by all means list individual plants. Or perhaps you grow a lot but are interested in specific plant families or plants from specific geographical regions, or heritage/ heirloom varieties.
  2. How did your interest in unusual edibles develop?
  3. How do you track down your unusual seeds and plants?
  4. Do you have a favourite (commercial) supplier?
  5. Do you have books and/or websites (or other sources of information) that you recommend?
  6. Do you have a favourite garden to visit that grows a lot of unusual edibles?
  7. What are your hints and tips for sourcing unusual edibles?
  8. Do you have a book/ website/ project etc that you would like mentioned in the book?

Please bear in mind that I may have to edit your responses for inclusion, and that I may not be able to include them all. Thank you!

Posted 21 June 2010, 08:48.   Posted in .
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4 Comments for Do you grow unusual edibles?

  1. 1. What unusual edibles do you grow? This is my first year with an allotment, which has spread over to container gardening in my back garden. I sowed so many back up seedlings that I then couldn’t bear to part with! In addition to “usual” edibles, I’m growing achochas, west Indian gherkins, rats tail radishes, celtuce, asparagus peas, and sweet pea currant tomatoes. There are some things I’m growing that I consider to be quite usual but which others seem to think are a bit off the beaten path, such as mooli, choi sum, gai lan, tomatillos, and mibuna.

    2. How did your interest in unusual edibles develop? For me, the opportunity to grow my own food meant also the opportunity to grow things which I can’t find in the supermarket or for which I have to make a special trip to an ethnic grocery in order to purchase. I’ve always been an adventurous cook and have always sought out new things to try. 3. How do you track down your unusual seeds and plants? I’ve found that a lot of independent companies that specialise in heirloom seeds tend to have all sorts of exciting varieties to try. My wish list for the next growing season has about 40 different things, and most of them have been found by first finding a supplier and seeing what they offer. Online swaps are also really useful for finding new seeds to try. 4. Do you have a favourite (commercial) supplier? I’ve gotten the most interesting seeds and best customer service from The Real Seed Catalogue. 5. Do you have books and/or websites (or other sources of information) that you recommend? My main source is Grow Your Own Vegetables by Joy Larkcom. Everybody online suggests it, and they really do know what they’re talking about! I’m also lucky that my partner’s father has had an allotment for 25 years, and while he tends to grow the usual veg, it’s been incredibly helpful to have someone experienced who is willing to answer even my silliest questions. Myfolia.com is also a huge help. 6. Do you have a favourite garden to visit that grows a lot of unusual edibles? No. 7. What are your hints and tips for sourcing unusual edibles? Look at heritage seed companies and engage in seed swaps (either online or events like Seedy Sunday). Mr Fothergills vegetable explorer range also has some interesting things to try. 8. Do you have a book/ website/ project etc that you would like mentioned in the book? No :-)

    Charlotte · Jun 21, 09:49 AM

  2. Have a look and see if you are interested. This Journal is the best practical Garden Joufrnal on the Internet. Not bragging just stating facts.

    http://durgan.org/

    james Young · Jun 23, 12:20 AM

  3. We are thinking of growing more unusual edibles, as we love our patch of peas, wigwam of runner beans and potatoes grown in recycled containers we have already.

    landscapegardeneroxford · Jun 24, 10:58 AM

  4. I am growing blue potatoes. I am new to gardening and this was the “weirdest” vegetable that I could afford to get this year because Lowe’s Home Improvement actually had it in a tiny bushel barrel with some other things. I am growing them in a pot and they seem to be doing okay so far. I have not disturbed the soil to peek at them, but the tops seem to be okay. I guess I will know more when they bloom and are ready to harvest. I am looking forward to growing more unusual edibles in the future as I expand my garden and learn more.

    Michelle Wilson · Jun 25, 01:57 AM

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