Cosmopolitan tastes and cookery programmes are encouraging gardeners to try unfamiliar vegetables. These easy-to-grow suggestions suffer few pests or diseases, tolerate drought and need a light sprinkling of fertiliser only if you are unable to incorporate organic matter before sowing or planting.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are grown from cuttings called ‘slips’ sent out by suppliers in spring. On receipt, pot these up and cover with a plastic bag to give high humidity until rooted. Plant out well-rooted plants in warm, sunny soil, ideally in a glasshouse or under cloches. Allow 1sq m (1 sq yd) per plant. The tubers will be ready to gather and store in a dry, cool place indoors, by early autumn.
Hamburg parsley
Hamburg parsley has edible roots with a faint, sweet parsley flavour (the foliage can be used like ordinary parsley). Sow seeds in their growing position in April, in drills 2cm (0.75in) deep and cover with soil. Thin young plants to 20cm (8in) apart. By early winter, the roots can be dug or left until needed. Cook as you would parsnips or carrots.
Tomatillo
Tomatillo is a handsome plant, best sown in a sunny glasshouse or on a windowsill in mid-spring. Pot seedlings individually as soon as they can be handled. In early summer, plant out in a warm, sheltered place with stakes for support. Flowers are followed by green or purple fruits that burst through their papery covering. They have a sharp, lemony flavour and are much used in Mexican cuisine such as tangy salsa verde.
Yard-long beans
Yard-long beans are grown like runner beans. Unlike runners, they relish hot weather and benefit from a polytunnel or glasshouse in colder districts. Sow seeds in pots under glass in late April and plant out in early summer. Train up canes and pinch out tips once they reach the top. An occasional soak in dry spells is helpful. Pick the lengthy beans before they get tough.
Asparagus pea
Asparagus pea is a charming little plant, with red flowers followed by small fluted pods that have a fresh taste and delicate texture when picked very small. Sow three seeds for each intended plant in prepared soil in late spring about 2.5cm (1in) deep; a second sowing in early summer will provide a later crop in mid- to late summer. Thin the groupings of seedlings to a single plant as soon as possible
Sugar loaf chicory
Sugar loaf chicory is very easy to grow. Although it won’t stand heavy frosts, light frosts are said to improve the slightly bitter flavour. The tender hearts make excellent salads at a time when lettuces are unappetising. Sow seeds every 2.5cm (1in) in drills 2cm (0.75in) deep in moist soil during mid- to late summer. Cover with soil. Thin seedlings to one plant every 25cm (10in). They have a very deep root so watering is seldom needed. Cut the heads as soon as they are firm.
Guy Barter