Your comments and tips

08 Jan 22, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)

Rutabagas are moderate to heavy feeders that do best in rich, loamy soil amended with composted manure. Optimal soil temperature: 18-21°C (65-70°F). Rutabagas need lots of water. Brussels sprouts prefer temperatures between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and also like well composted manure. Additionally, they both like approximately the same PH range. They are both Brassicas; one Brassica oleracea the other Brassica napobrassica. They like the same conditions: no surprise, they are from the same family. So why did a companion planting guide tell you not to plant them together. The main reasons: 1. They are both considered heavy feeders: that means they will sap your soil of all nutrients. Companion planting usually doesn't place two heavy feeders side by side. It's easy to get past this: just add lots of compost or manure several times in the growing season: at planting: mid season: and nearing the end of season so the plants have enough nutrition to fully develop their fruit (vegetables). 2. These two plants share the same threats (pests); when you plant them side by side the TARGET BECOMES BIGGER and more attractive, so you need to watch out for pests. Companion planting usually places a

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09 Jan 22, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)

Companion planting usually places plants that don't attract the same pests (or discourages pests that the other attracts) side by side. This stops/inhibits infestations which can occur easily when the pest can move from one site to another (plant to plant - like in rows or patches). Herbs tend to deter a lot of pests (odour) as do Calendula (pot marigolds). To my best estimation you can plant these two plants side by side: just add extra manure/compost and be on the look out for pests (taking action quickly if spotted).

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28 Oct 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)

It is usually because they might produce chemicals in the soil that affect growth or they take the same nutrients from the soil and are susceptible to the same diseases.

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28 Oct 21, Steve (USA - Zone 7b climate)

Thank you for your reply, but your answer is a little too vague. I had already placed them together per spouse suggestion in a 4x4 section of the greenhouse so I'll do my own testing, good or bad the sacrifice is minimal.

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15 Oct 21, John Copeland (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Could somebody tell me why my swedes (rutabaga) are woody Thank You

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19 Oct 21, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

Did you water them regularly?

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23 Jan 21, Tracey Bullen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

I live in Hobart & have had great success with swedes & parsnips in separate beds. Can they be planted in the same bed? Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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25 Jan 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Shouldn't be any problem.

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11 Jul 20, chris dobson (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I love swedes and they are supposed to be easy to grow, but I am struggling. Have tried over 4 seasons now and they are very small and not especially tasty. Very prone to powdery mildew. It does not seem to make any difference if i germinate in pottles or sow direct. Living in Lincoln. Soil is clay base but with good rich top layer. Using home made compost enriched with sheep pellets and blood and bone. PH 6.5 to 7 Would appreciate any advice, Thanks

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13 Jul 20, (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Also look up an organic spray for powdery mildew, I think it is chamomile tea. Also water in the morning not late arvo.

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