Mini vegetables - crops of the future? Part One

Mini vegetables - crops of the future?

This is the first part of a two part article on growing mini vegetables. Part two covers the crops and cultivars and can be found at:
Growing Mini Vegetables Pt 2

History of Mini Vegetables

The idea of growing mini vegetables is comparatively recent. The National Vegetable Research Station (now part of Horticultural Research International) conducted trials of direct seeded cauliflowers at various spacings during the late 1960's and early 1970's with some success. The work did not continue, however, primarily because supermarket distribution systems were less sophisticated then than they are today and freezing, for which the concept of mini vegetables was originally developed, was far too expensive, due to inadequate machinery. Nor was the consumer ready for the up market produce. Commercial trials continued, with Suttons, then in Reading, using cauliflower and cabbage cultivars, but these had been discontinued by 1973.

Mini vegetables have, however, attracted more interest over the past six years. Supermarkets have rejuvenated the concept, led by Marks and Spencer, offering the cos lettuce 'Little Gem' and cherry tomatoes. More recently specific breeding work has produced special mini cultivars. Nevertheless, certain cultivars will produce mini vegetables when grown at close spacings but will mature to "normal" size at regular spacings.

My main reasons for home growing, especially of mini vegetables would be:

1. Fresh is best, straight from garden to kitchen - succulent, nutritious, healthy, free from pesticides and chemical residues.
2. The smallest garden can provide sufficient for the family. You don't even need a garden. Mini vegetables (and others) will grow in growing bags, pots and other containers on the patio, or even in a window box.
3. Home growing is economical.
4. Home growing gives you more choice of kinds and cultivars.

For best results with mini vegetables it is as important to prepare the ground well before sowing seeds, or setting out young plants, as it is with full sized crops. Mini vegetables lend themselves very well to growing in raised beds made about 4 feet (120 cm) wide so that cultivation can be carried out from each side and they don't have to be trodden on. Plenty of well-rotted garden compost, leaf mould or other organic matter added to the soil each year will keep it in good heart and retain moisture.

When planning your cropping programme it is worthwhile bearing in mind the following points:

1. Sow, or plant, close together in broad drills, or blocks, rather than in rows so the growing plants will cover the ground and reduce the need for weeding. Nevertheless, use space between widely spaced crops such as squash/courgettes (only the fruits are mini size) for a quick maturing catch crop of radishes, mini silver skin onions, kohl rabi or lettuce.
2. Grow vegetables of similar height next to each other to minimise shading of short vegetables by tall ones - thus avoiding competition for light.
3. Healthy plants mean healthy crops which will be well flavoured. Do not subject plants to unnecessary stress, such as lack of water, exposure in a windy spot, etc. Sow when conditions are favourable, there is no point in sowing in cold soils. Use cloches if they are available.
4. Check regularly for pests and diseases. Most mini vegetables mature fast enough to avoid problems. Flea beetles can be a menace on radish, cauliflower, kohl rabi and other brassicas during hot, dry weather. Use a proprietary control. Caterpillars can be removed by hand. Slugs will need controlling.
5. In dry weather always water the seed drills prior to sowing carrots, beet, turnips, kohl rabi, leek and parsnips. For the first sowings in February up to the end of April no further watering will be necessary. For sowings in May and June also water the seed drills and further watering should not be necessary for parsnips, carrots and leeks as their roots will go down in search of water. Beet, turnip, fennel and kohl rabi can produce spindly roots if the soil is not kept moist. If there is a prolonged dry spell then water with a proprietary liquid feed, at least a gallon per 10 ft (3 m) row. For sowings during July and August watering throughout the whole growing period may well be necessary to provide succulent produce. In the case of transplanted plants, especially cabbage, cauliflower, kale and savoy, ensure the soil is moist when you transplant. Water dry soil thoroughly some hours in advance.
6. For optimum courgette/squash production it is essential that adequate moisture is always available and a weekly liquid feed is recommended for a prolific yield.
7. A mulch of grass clippings will help conserve moisture around courgettes, squash, cabbage, cauliflowers and savoy, but always remember that any mulch should be applied before the soil dries out.
8. Container or growing bag production requires more regular feeding and watering - do you expect to go away on holiday?
9. A well prepared, humus rich soil will hold moisture better than an ill prepared soil with insufficient humus.
10. If you are going to water crops, then water thoroughly. Never moisten the surface as this does no good at all.

The conclusion to this article can be found at Growing Mini Vegetables Part Two

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