are they docks ? you know the leaves you rub on nettle stings.

Sounds more like parsnip than swede to me - any chance of a photo Charles?

The leaf is identical to the leaf of the swede. I have tried use a photo from photobucket, but with no luck.

How do I show a photo?

I upload photos straight from my computer. Edit your question and there should be a box with a 'browse' button. Choose that and choose the photo straight off your computer and upload it.

Thank you Sid. A photo is now shown.

I've commented on the photo - all I can say is, it's not a dock. I'm thinking oil-seed-rape. Any other ideas?

Could it be sugar beet?.

Did you see the picture Drbob?

Ah, yes Sid you could be right, it needs to mature to be sure.

Thanks again Sid. I've looked at some pictures of oilseed rape and they do look very similar. I didn't expect to be growing oilseed in my small garden.

Def. not oil seed rape with a foot long tap root, I'm sticking to my original opinion parsnip

Moony - no, it's defo not a parsnip - I grow parsnips - the leaves are more glossy and toothed and less dense. On the other hand, I'm not 100% sure this is oil seed rape, but I've had oil seed rape pop up in my garden in the past - think the birds must bring it in.

Just did a google and found that oilseed rape does indeed form a taproot, but I couldn't find any reference to how long it was or any pictures.

We to grow parsnips Sid and some of ours have leaves which look similar to those in pix... I was very surprised when they appeared!

I think it's too 'bushy' to be a parsnip and the root is long and straight, not tapered. Root about 3/4 inch wide.

Then Sid is probably right and it is oil seed rape. I'd remove before it flowers.