I'm going to list some of the vegetables I grow and how I store them successfully!
So without further a do! Here's my list!
Broccoli
I place mine in the fridge, as they are, I don't put them in any bags or anything. They store for around a week or so.
Broad Beans
Any dark cold place will do. If kept in the pods they should keep for slightly longer than outside of the pod. Around a week to two weeks maximum.
Cauliflower
These are best frozen if you want to keep them for sometime. Otherwise I just store in the fridge and use within 3-5 days.
Carrots
It's best to place your carrots in a wooden box. Make sure to put them in your fridge or out of the fridge is fine just cover in straw or sand if you do! They can be stored for around a week or more like this. This goes for: Turnips, Parsnips, Swedes and Beetroot as well!
Garlic
I allow the garlic bulbs to harden off in the sunshine and I also brush off any excess soil before storing. I will usually keep them in a dark and cool place. Garlic can last for months if kept in the right conditions. Just be sure to check for mold! This method also applies to Onions!
Ginger
I just put my ginger in a non-see through bag and place in the refrigerator. You can even freeze it! Should keep for a few weeks at least. Before use, make sure it's not gone all wrinkly and old!
Lettuce (Unspecific types)
Lettuce should be used within a maximum of 5 days before initially picking. Though 3 days is probably the safest! Just place in a container and store in your fridge.
Leeks
It's best to leave leeks in your garden growing and only pick them when you need them. Although they can be stored in the fridge for around 3-5 days.
Onions
With onions a dark cool place is always best. I usually leave them in my shed or in the kitchen cupboard. Check occasionally for mold and remove any affected onions if they start rotting.
Potatoes
Before storing I like to leave them out in the sun for around an hour to allow the skins to harden. They're best stored in hessian sacks (The type of material you see sandbags made out of). Just put them out of the way of sunlight, in a dark cool place and they'll be fine. Remember to remove any potatoes that go green! These can be poisonous!
Peas
With peas I generally just leave them on the plant and pick whenever I need. Although they can keep in a dark cupboard or fridge for around a week without any problems. You can freeze them also.
Spinach
It's better to just pick and eat spinach when you need it as this is when it tastes best. But if you've planted one to many plants and you've got spinach coming out of your ears then it easily stores in a fridge for around a week.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are best eaten as fresh as possible. Although they do keep pretty well in the fridge for around 5 days maximum.
Additional points
- Don't wash your vegetables before storing! It's best to wash them just before use. You can easily just brush off any excess dirt and store them as they are!
- Be sure to remove any rotting, moldy or slightly eaten vegetables before storing! The mold and disease will spread to your other crops!
- A good thing to mention is to keep a list of vegetables on your fridge door or nearby. Keeping a stock check from when you placed the vegetables in the fridge and when they should be eaten! This helps to reduce food wastage.
- Try not to allow your crops to be wasted. It's better to share big quantities with family and friends than to see them go to waste or be chucked on the compost pile!
