THIS knobbly root is a winter staple which creates a wonderful mash with potato and garlic, or added to soups and stews to add flavour and texture.

It should be sown in early March indoors at 16-21C (60-70F).

Prick out the seedlings into small pots when big enough to handle and continue growing on a windowsill or in a heated propagator in the greenhouse and keep well watered but out of direct sun. Harden off the plants carefully and plant them into well prepared soil with plenty of compost when the last frost is over, in early June. They should be spaced 30cm (12in) apart in small gardens or can be given more space on allotments.

Water them in well, liquid feed every two weeks with general purpose feed and keep them moist.

Weed regularly until the plants cover the space and harvest them, digging the whole plant up, from September until Christmas. One of the most reliable varieties is ‘Monarch’, which produces excellent roots.