Crunchy conservatism

I've already put the shallots and the rhubarb in.  In doors, the fruit cuttings (boysenberry, gooseberry, josterberry, plus a something-or-other berry) are coming on nicely - a bit of leaf emerging.

I bought loads of seeds off Alan Romans this year.  They're sitting in the seed tin, but I'm itching to start sowing.  Is it still a bit early, unless indoors or in a cold frame? 

Tips and suggestions please ....

Posted on 5 March 2010 by Douglas Carswell

Comments

Wow, I can think of over a dozen veg to be sown outside now in my area (Medway).
Apart from potatoes and onion sets, there is Broad bean, swede and turnip, beetroot and brassica, carrots, celery, all year round lettuce and many more ..

Posted on 5 March 2010 09:04 by Paul O'Rourke

I've completely missed early starting this year, although the garlic I forgot to harvest last year is doing well despite the snow and frost and general cold.

Posted on 5 March 2010 09:09 by DominicJ

You'll be fine with all the root vegetables. I'm still keeping the new seedlings for bumping up the numbers in the herb garden in the conservatory for now though.

Posted on 5 March 2010 10:42 by Andrew McKie

You're a lot further south than me, but I have onions and shallots in under cover and have a cloche on my soil warming it up so I can put the broad beans in this month. By my reckoning, temperatures are 3-4 weeks behind normal so I would be cautious. You could start lettuce off indoors. Potatoes could go in this month if they're ready.

Posted on 5 March 2010 11:00 by Ruth

If the soil isn't waterlogged then start sowing now, but don't walk on too wet soil or you'll compact it - put a plank of wood on the ground, use that, it'll help keep the lines/rows straight too.
Cover seeds with horticultural fleece to keep the birds off, and give them overnight protection.

Go to your nearest allotments to see what more experienced gardeners are doing, and mimic their planting times.

Posted on 5 March 2010 12:34 by Mrs R

Totally depends on what you want to grow. The soil this year is much colder than in previous years. I have really held back putting anything in the ground. What I am doing is growing lettuces in plug trays - I just planted them yesterday. Try Marvel of the Four Seasons or a romaine type lettuce. Have you heard of the gutter technique? http://ciderhousepress.com/?p=283
Great for bringing things on early if you have a greenhouse

Posted on 8 March 2010 10:20 by Jeremy

Got a cold frame going indoors over the weekend.
Basil, Chives, Corriander and two others in carboard pots ready to plant out at the end of the month.

Posted on 8 March 2010 10:57 by DominicJ

I normally look to you for political ideas and leadership, but since I followed your earlier Alan Romans tip, henceforth you will be blamed for vegetable growing failures.

Posted on 10 March 2010 07:20 by Doogie Longford

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