Small Swedes

I've just dugg up the swedes I planted last year but none have them have grown very big. I grew them in a tub so I'm wondering if I either put too many in or did'nt have enough soil depth for the roots. Would these factors effect the size?

 

Very much so

 

I think swedes need plenty of room - spacing of 12inches apart in rows 18 inches apart normally. They also occupy the land for a long time so are not making good use of limited amount of space where you want quick turn over of fast maturing crops. I think something like Turnip 'Snowball' would be a much better choice for container growing.

 

Obviously you need to grow them in the Brassic bed. Sow them thinly and when they germinate, thin them out to about 8 inches apart in rows about 12 inches apart. Keep them watered and weed free. Use when big enough, don`t wait for them to get big and woody. David.

 

I have never come across Swedes getting woody. They get big but that is what swedes do. They grow a long time and get big. I always think of them as the ideal field crop. They seem to do best when there is plenty of room and good air circulation, so they don't mind a breezy spoT. Not like turnips that seem to do best in a soil that is always well watered.