Veggie Challenge - grow something new or unusual this year!

[Whoamireally]

Now I'm in the 2010 Veggie Club, was looking through the lists and we are all growing the same sorts of stuff How nice it would be to break out of my vegetable 'rut'.

Was inspired by the 'italian seeds' stand at the local garden centre, so this year I am going to try and grow scorzonera

Always like to try something new. Anyone want to join me in a grow something new or unusual challenge?

Scorzonera

I am growing asparagus peas. The mice are already having a feast.

I am tempted but its hard enough to get anything to grow up here in the frozen north let alone anything in the least bit 'exotic'. Dreams of fig trees, olives and peaches......

Oh, I forgot, I am going to grow some jerusalem artichokes that my friend gave me. Does that count as 'different'?

I'm very tempted by the asparagus peas. I've been meaning to grow those for years.

Wiggletastic - watch out with the jerusalem artichokes. Tasty but they really do spread like weeds!

Prob not unusual for some, but trying Florence fennel for the first time this year.

I've never grown fennel either - jerusalem artichokes definitely count - would be really interested to know how you get on with those wiggletastic!

What are asparagus peas like to eat? Are they sweet - like sugarsnaps?

Well, I've never actually tasted an asparagus pea () because of last year's feeble plants, but you steam the pods when they're very young and they taste like asparagus. I first saw the plants on (I guess) Gardeners' World - they're very pretty, with the crop as a bonus!

Ah yes, the clue is in the name