Waiting for the weather to improve so that I can make a start on ...

most years I plant seeds and nurture them in one of the 'cheap plastic mini greenhouses' the problem with them is that they do not offer full protection of a full size greenhouse and they can be damaged by the weather. So I am hoping the dry spell of two days can be joined by some warmer weather.

Shallots can be planted and it is getting near to the end of planting time for garlic... soon all vegetables growers will be busy..busy..busy.

Now is the time to plan what vegetables seeds you will need to plant in March...

My first early and second early potatoes are in eggboxes or trays in a cool light airy place where there is no risk of frost they are beginning to chit. The first tiny shoots are beginning to push their way upwards.

I have to look through my seed collection this week and plan to soon buy any that I need that I do not have stored away.

I have bought a bag of shallot sets. I am now waiting for signs of an improvement in the weather before I can plant them.

Anything else?

• Turn the compost.
• Finish the job of preparing the area moving the raspberry canes to a better location.
• Check for signs of growth on the rhubarb and force as mentioned in an earlier post.
• Continue on fine days clearing and preparing the ground for next seasons crops.

That will keep me busy for now.

Planning what to buy to grow in the coming season... potatoes, onions, shallots and garlic...

Now is the time to be buying seed potatoes, shallots, onion sets and garlic for planting soon.

I will be planting Pentland Javelin seed potatoes for my first earlies later this year, they grow well in my sandy soil.
If you leave the purchase or ordering of them too late then your choice is more limited as they sometimes sell out of the more popular varieties of seed potato. 

Shallots are used in cooking here as often as onions and I am hoping to buy some of the 'banana' shaped ones this year as well as having a nice flavour I like