[treascon09]

I still have potatoes (records) , carrots, parsnips, turnips and cabbage (savoy and greyhound) in the garden. How long is it ok to leave these in ground or when do these have to be taken up? Whats best way to store each?

[michael brenock]

parsnips can be left in ground until needed. Carrots can either be dug up now and stored in sand or peat in a barrel or box indoors. Potatoes can be dug and stored in pits covered with soil outside or in boxes inside protected from frost and vermin. Store unwashed. cabbages can be left growing until required.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[Protein]

.. and what of leeks and swedes?

[walltoall]

Most varieties of leeks are hardy and can remain in the ground throughout winter weather until needed.

Swedes ('turnips' in Ireland and Iceland!) I store only towards the end of Jan. by removing the leaves and placing them singly in flower-pots and covering with sand stored in my cool dark garage til I need them. From Feb1 they're in danger of starting their biennial growth and will then start growing for seed production next Summer. Really you should start using turnips as soon as they're big enough (late Oct.?) to make a meal. They're delicous small. The bigger they get the tougher they get and they tend to develop fibrous flesh come Spring as they prepare for their seed-making chore.