Update on what's been sown so far and how the land lies ......

We've got the seed potatoes in the conservatory chitting away like good 'uns. 20 each of Swift, Charlotte and Sarpo Mira. From what the experts down at the allotment were saying this morning everything's about 2 weeks behind what you'd normally expect at this time of year so I can't see any of the potatoes going in before the 1st week of April. Apart from needing some manure via Kay's sister's horse's stable we're on schedule with soil preparation so we'll be ready when the time comes.

This morning we laid down several sheets of weed suppressing membrane, which should also help warm the soil for planting. We were also given some plastic sheeting so put that down on the area which last year was very overgrown by nettles. We hope to slow down their growth this year, if not prevent it completely.

It's going to be particularly important to keep the 2 deep beds free from weeds as we develop them for asparagus. We've moved them down to the allotment from the garden and during this coming week I'll be getting them in their correct positions ready to be filled with a soil/compost mix in time for the expected delivery of the plants at the start of April.

We've started quite a lot of plants off from seed already, with the conservatory, upstairs front room and greenhouse all involved at different stages in the germination and growing on process.

Flower seeds planted so far are restricted to 4 varieties of sweet peas (one of which is VERY slow to germinate) and some nasturtiums, but more will be following soon.

Vegetables so far planted from seed (roughly in order of initial planting starting around 1st March) include: cucumbers, sprouts, chili, sweet corn, broad beans, peas, leeks and mixed salad leaves.

In April more seeds will follow, along with more sowings of things already started. If I have to remember one thing this year it is successional sowings!!

If we needed any extra encouragement at all we got it this morning at the allotment. A neighbouring allotmenteer, John, gave us some of his parsnips - huge ones and which had over wintered pretty much unscathed. We'll be having roast parsnips with the Rodbaston leg of lamb for dinner this evening. Definitely just the thing to give you a healthy appetite!