16th century veg plot

[helly]

Hello,I am attempting to read up on growing veg in the 16th century. I have a project that I would like to attempt. That is to grow the produce that people grew in the 16th century England,Scotland. Also what tools they used.
Any ideas would be most appreciated, or better still if anyone can point me in the right direction on the web or via books.
Cheers Helen

[zebedee]

At the moment, no ideas, Helen, but what a crackin idea. Keep it up, love to see the finished result

[Nicos]

Chase me up next spring and I'll send you some heritage current tomato seeds which were given me by the head gardener at Little Morton Hall.
Try contacting some of the National Trust gardeners from the Elizabethan houses - I'm sure they will be more than happy to share their knowledge with you!
I'd send you them now but have no idea where I've put the packet

Oh...and welcome to the Vine!!!

[The Reverend]

Good Afternoon helly theres a book that i have called, A little history of British gardening by Jenny Uglow, this has a small section on the 16th century.

I think the libary would be able to help you along these lines, but i bet there will be something on the web if you know where to look.

[SueA]

There's a little bit here Helly off the web which gives the name of someone who wrote a book on vegetable gardening in the 16th century but as it was published in 1603 it might be difficult to get hold of! It does list the kinds of crops grown then & also herbs were very popular & potatoes & tomatoes were introduced into the country in the 16th century but probably weren't widely grown. It's interesting to see it mentions cucumbers, who'd have thought they grew them in Britain in the 16th century?
http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/hort/history/051.html

[TonyF]

Try the Gardening Museum in London or the Tradescant Trust, if anybody knows they will.

I once managed a team which replaced a huge Georgian garden at some almshouses at one point in my life but we had the original plans to work off - it was just brilliant to do it, growing and sourcing the plants was really fun.

[helly]

Wow thanks guys, thats a great start for me to go on. The idea came to me when I went to a battle re-anactment. Where I saw the people taking part cooking their own food and living the life of the fighters. I'm sure it will be good research to do over the winter months. Will welcome ideas of costumes&tools used.
cheers Helen

[Snadger]

Welcome to the vine helly! Seems like an excellent idea you have there!

Hadf a qiuck look on google and came upon this interesting site!

http://www.oldcook.com/en/medieval_vegetables.htm

I'm trying seakale myself, but pulled my cardoons out by mistake thinking they were thistles!

[nick the grief]

Weald and Downland museum used to have different Gardens thru the ages. I suspect you're not going to be growing a lot

Turnips, kolewort, Skirrets, a few pot marigolds and some herbs, I don't think the average bod in the hovel had much more .....

Culpepers herbal may be of use as well and there's a bit in Geoff Hamiltons Cottage Garden Book if I remember right

[NOG]

Well you wont be growing much then:

No Potatoes, Tomatoes, Swede, Beetroot, Chilie, Peppers, Suash, Pumpkin, Carrot. because they were not in the county. Also carrot were first dark blue but the dutch grew them Orange in resect of King Billy.

You can grow: Turnip, Corn (not sweetcorn), Maze, Barley, some herbs, mushroom, Rhubarb

Tools: A wooden Spade, rake, hoes, mattock and a metal pruning knive

Oh but you can use OX poo.

Best of luck and keep us informed. The best two places to try for info is Kew Gardens and the Chelsea Physic Garden.

[Nicos]

so... are you thinking 1600's or 1500's...?? It will make a HUGE difference!!