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+--- Thread: Self-seeders (/showthread.php?tid=1080)
RE: Self-seeders - Veggie - 30-01-2022
I have another cunning plan, loosely connected to the self-seeding plants in this thread.
My plan is to have big clumps of plants (preferably edible) that will either self seed or be perennial. I'd like them all to join up so that there is very little bare ground between them.
Here's my list, so far:-
(Leaves) Rocket, Landcress, Chard, Spinach, Spinach beet, Lettuce, Parsley, Radish, Beetroot, Turnip, Kale, Tree Spinach, Chinese leaves, Mustard
(Shoots) Chives, spring onions, Elephant garlic, Perennial leeks, multiplier onions, onions left to bolt
(Roots) Not many - radish, Oca, Chinese Artichokes (not JAs), Salsify, Scorzonera, carrots
(Fruits) Strawberry, soft fruit bushes, Rhubarb, apples, pears, plums.
(Herbs) Mint, Lemon Balm, Oregano, Marjoram, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Lovage, Angelica
(Flowers with uses) Calendula, Nasturtium, Day Lily, Comfrey, Soapwort.
Possibles - Amaranth, Quinoa.
I should be able to pick something leafy, herby and oniony all year round without a lot of effort
If I supplement this list with non-hardy annual veggies - tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, peas. beans and "buy" potatoes and, maybe carrots (both of which I struggle with) I'd be very happy.
Can you think of any other edible plants that would earn their keep?
RE: Self-seeders - Small chilli - 30-01-2022
Only thing I can think of is asparagus. But as it’s picked young, you might miss it in your forest of other goodies.
What do you use soapwort for veggie? I think I was missing for that days lesson
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RE: Self-seeders - Veggie - 30-01-2022
Soapwort's for making soap.
https://wildseed.co.uk/species/view/291A couple of years ago I had this crazy idea of growing loofahs and soapwort to make my own washing stuff. The loofah plants died and I didn't find any soapwort seeds in time..................but I have some now.
I've been warned its invasive. Maybe it'll kick out the montbretia and periwinkle.
RE: Self-seeders - Scarlet - 30-01-2022
Get some sorrel....that will cover loads of ground. I don't like it much cooked - fine for small leaves in a salad but it really takes over.
RE: Self-seeders - Veggie - 30-01-2022
I'd forgotten sorrel! I have some of the red leaved one that is popping up everywhere I don't want it. .
RE: Self-seeders - SarrissUK - 30-01-2022
Oh gosh, I had red sorrel everywhere in the old garden. I don't miss that one bit. I've not seen any that's come with me in the pots either, thankfully!!
RE: Self-seeders - Veggie - 09-02-2026
Wandering round the garden today, I noticed a few patches of self seeded vegetables which reminded me of this thread!
There's a very healthy clump of ?Red Russian/ragged jack kale growing amongst some brambles near Veg Plot 5. Also, a few plants about 10' away.
Another successful self seeder is some sort of oriental brassica - large leaves with a white stem that is about to bolt. I remember this happening last year and I wanted to see what would happen if I left them to it! It worked. There are lots more this year than last year.
The Elephant garlic has appeared beneath a nearby shrub, I'm sure i wouldn't have planted any there as its too difficult to get to - so, somehow, they have spread. Does it selfseed?
RE: Self-seeders - JJB - 10-02-2026
(09-02-2026, 08:45 PM)Veggie Wrote: Wandering round the garden today, I noticed a few patches of self seeded vegetables which reminded me of this thread!How do you tell it Elephant garlic and no some other allium?
There's a very healthy clump of ?Red Russian/ragged jack kale growing amongst some brambles near Veg Plot 5. Also, a few plants about 10' away.
Another successful self seeder is some sort of oriental brassica - large leaves with a white stem that is about to bolt. I remember this happening last year and I wanted to see what would happen if I left them to it! It worked. There are lots more this year than last year.
The Elephant garlic has appeared beneath a nearby shrub, I'm sure i wouldn't have planted any there as its too difficult to get to - so, somehow, they have spread. Does it selfseed?
RE: Self-seeders - Veggie - 10-02-2026
(10-02-2026, 09:50 AM)JJB Wrote:!. Because I know where I planted them many years ago. They look similar to Babington perennial leeks but they are in a different part of the garden.(09-02-2026, 08:45 PM)Veggie Wrote: Wandering round the garden today, I noticed a few patches of self seeded vegetables which reminded me of this thread!How do you tell it Elephant garlic and no some other allium?
There's a very healthy clump of ?Red Russian/ragged jack kale growing amongst some brambles near Veg Plot 5. Also, a few plants about 10' away.
Another successful self seeder is some sort of oriental brassica - large leaves with a white stem that is about to bolt. I remember this happening last year and I wanted to see what would happen if I left them to it! It worked. There are lots more this year than last year.
The Elephant garlic has appeared beneath a nearby shrub, I'm sure i wouldn't have planted any there as its too difficult to get to - so, somehow, they have spread. Does it selfseed?
RE: Self-seeders - JJB - 11-02-2026
I too have separated my Babbingtons fom my Elephants and ordnary garlics