Why Grow Unusual Vegetables?
Growing unusual vegetables offers numerous benefits beyond simply adding variety to your garden. These crops often:
- Provide unique flavors and textures that elevate your cooking.
- Introduce new nutritional benefits and diversify your diet.
- Help you stand out in local gardening communities or at farmers’ markets.
- Allow you to experiment with less common planting and harvesting techniques.
- Contribute to biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices.
Moreover, many unusual vegetables are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for the UK's climate with proper care and timing.
Top Unusual Vegetables to Grow in the UK
1. Oca (Oxalis tuberosa)
Oca is a South American root vegetable that resembles small, colorful tubers and offers a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. It’s a versatile crop that can be boiled, roasted, or mashed.
Growing tips: Oca prefers well-drained soil and a sunny spot. It’s hardy to UK winters if mulched properly. Start tubers indoors in early spring or plant directly in late spring when the soil warms up. Harvest in late summer or early autumn.
2. Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum)
While increasingly popular, celeriac remains somewhat unusual compared to standard celery. Its knobby root provides a mild celery flavor and is excellent in soups and stews.
Growing tips: Celeriac thrives in deep, fertile soil with consistent moisture. Sow seeds indoors early, then transplant outdoors after the last frost. Regular watering and feeding boost bulb development.
3. Sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichokes)
These sun-loving tubers produce knobbly, edible roots with a nutty flavor. They are hardy and prolific, making them ideal for larger gardens.
Growing tips: Plant sunchoke tubers in well-drained soil in spring. They require minimal maintenance and can grow quite tall. Be mindful of their vigorous growth, which can become invasive if not managed.
4. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a member of the brassica family with a bulbous stem that tastes like a mild, crunchy broccoli stem. It’s a versatile vegetable for salads, stir-fries, and roasting.
Growing tips: Sow seeds directly in spring or start indoors. It prefers cool weather and rich soil. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding, and harvest when bulbs reach 5-10cm in diameter.
5. Sea Kale
Sea kale is a hardy perennial with tender, edible shoots and leaves. It’s particularly suited to coastal gardens and can tolerate salt spray.
Growing tips: Establish in well-drained, sandy soil near the coast or in well-prepared garden beds. Harvest young shoots in early spring for the best flavor. It’s a low-maintenance plant once established.
6. Cardoon
Closely related to the artichoke, cardoon produces large, thistle-like stalks that can be cooked similarly to celery or artichoke hearts.
Growing tips: Cardoons prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds or plant established roots in spring. They require patience, as they take a couple of years to produce mature stalks.
7. Mangel Wurzel (Sugar Beet)
This root vegetable, once widely cultivated for livestock feed, can be grown for its sweet, earthy roots. It’s a hardy crop suitable for UK soils.
Growing tips: Sow seeds in early spring directly into the ground. Thin seedlings to allow ample space for growth. Harvest in late summer or autumn.
8. Romanesco
While a type of cauliflower, Romanesco stands out with its stunning fractal patterns and nutty flavor. It adds visual interest and culinary novelty.
Growing tips: Plant in rich, well-drained soil with full sun. Consistent watering and feeding are essential. Harvest when heads are firm and vibrant in color.
Growing Unusual Vegetables in the UK: Tips and Considerations
Growing these less common vegetables requires understanding their specific needs and adapting to the UK climate. Here are some essential tips:
- Timing: Always check the recommended sowing and harvesting times, considering the UK's variable weather.
- Soil Preparation: Enrich your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to support healthy growth, especially for root vegetables.
- Protection: Use cloches, cold frames, or fleece during colder months to extend the growing season and protect tender crops.
- Watering and Feeding: Maintain consistent moisture and provide balanced fertilization to promote uniform growth.
- Rotation and Pest Control: Rotate crops annually to prevent soil depletion and reduce pest and disease issues.
Where to Source Unusual Vegetables
Finding seeds or tubers for these uncommon vegetables can be a fun part of the gardening journey. Consider the following sources:
- Specialist seed companies focused on heritage and exotic vegetables.
- Online seed catalogs with diverse vegetable selections.
- Local farmers’ markets or seed swaps.
- Garden centers that stock a broader range of vegetables.
Conclusion: Embrace the Unusual for a Diverse and Exciting Garden
Growing unusual vegetables in the UK offers a wonderful opportunity to expand your gardening horizons and introduce your family to new flavors. From vibrant root crops like oca and sunchokes to exotic greens like sea kale and cardoon, the possibilities are vast and rewarding. With patience, proper planning, and a bit of experimentation, you can cultivate a garden that not only produces delicious and nutritious foods but also becomes a source of pride and inspiration. So why not step outside your comfort zone and give these extraordinary vegetables a try? Your taste buds—and your garden—will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some uncommon vegetables that can thrive in the UK climate?
Vegetables like kohlrabi, sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes), celeriac, scorzonera, and wasabi mustard are unusual but can grow well in the UK with proper care.
Is it difficult to grow exotic vegetables like wasabi in the UK?
Growing wasabi in the UK can be challenging due to its specific temperature and humidity requirements, but with a shaded, cool, and moist environment, it is possible for dedicated gardeners.
What are the benefits of growing unusual vegetables in my UK garden?
Growing unusual vegetables can diversify your diet, reduce reliance on supermarket produce, attract beneficial insects, and create a unique gardening experience.
Are there any easy-to-grow unusual vegetables suitable for beginners in the UK?
Yes, vegetables like purple carrots, rainbow chard, and kohlrabi are relatively easy to grow and add vibrant colors and flavors to your garden.
When is the best time to plant these unusual vegetables in the UK?
Most unusual vegetables can be started indoors in early spring or sown directly into the ground after the last frost, typically from late March to May, depending on the specific vegetable.
Where can I find seeds for these unusual vegetables in the UK?
Seeds can be purchased from specialty seed companies, online retailers, or local garden centers that focus on exotic or heirloom varieties.
