What are storage crops?

Storage crops are vegetables such as potatoes, onions, pumpkins and garlic that can be grown in one season and then stored and eaten over a number of months, often into the next season. In some very snowy parts of the world, root vegetables such as carrots and beetroot are grown over Summer and Autumn and then stored in a root cellar or coolroom to be eaten during the Winter. 

Why grow storage crops in a market garden?

One reason is because it's great to grow a lot of different crops in a market garden anyway for variety and interest. However, the main reason is that storage crops are an insurance policy. If another crop fails due to pests, disease or extreme weather, a storage crop can be eaten instead. Storage crops also provide extra vegetables in Winter when the days are short and crops grow slowly outside. 

Can I grow storage crops around home?

Definitely, all you need is somewhere to store them. Usually a cool, dry place is best, with plenty of air circulation. 

Still to come

Next time I will talk about the effect of weeks of endless rain on a market garden. 

This week's recipe links

Caramelised Red Onion Tart with Thyme and Goat's Cheese from Australian Onions. 

Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra from Moon and Spoon and Yum. 

Eggplant Curry from Recipe Tin Eats. 

Corn and Black Bean Fajitas from The Garden Grazer. 

More info

To read more about what's happening on our local organic farm this week as we grow and care for veggies for our box delivery, check out this week's newsletter here.