Beans in flower

March-4th Week

Mr Middleton says : If you are not successful with onions, grow shallots. They are an excellent substitute, and much easier to grow’.

1. Last chance for good digging.- Those who did not succeed in digging most of the garden before Christmas, and have since been held up by the bad weather, should press on without delay. Land dug early breaks down easily when forked and produces a good sowing tilth. It is much more difficult on land just turned over.

We haven’t had any significant rain now for some weeks with temperatures reaching 18c and the ground remains perfect for sowing seeds, transplanting lettuce and planting onions and potatoes. Of course, there is never enough time to do all of these things and the forecast for tomorrow is for heavy rain. I have covered a bed that l am using as my seed bed so that should remain in good condition. The other beds just need forking over and the dreaded weeds removing before they set seed.

The broad beans l sowed last Autumn are now in flower! They have proved just how hardy these plants can be with all the snow, frost and bitterly cold Northly winds we have had. Hopefully it won’t be long before l am picking the first of the new broad beans.

In the unheated greenhouse my peas are romping away and will need transplanting next week, along with more lettuce. Leeks are a bit slow but are now emerging. What with the clocks going forward this weekend the growing season is well and truly with us. How are you doing in your garden?