Spring just around the corner

As we reach the end of February there are definite signs that Spring is not so far away.

I have visited the allotment three times recently and started clearing up and digging in preparation for the new year.

The asparagus beds just need a layer of composted manure and some growmore and (fingers crossed) we can expect another lovely crop of asparagus in April.

Stuart helped me construct a more solid, and taller, cage to protect certain vulnerable crops. As soon as the soil preparations are completed, we'll get the cage put together - complete with a door that avoids us having to crawl on hands and knees into the cage.

Already sown in the greenhouse are shallots, red and yellow onion sets and 2 varieties of broad beans, so hopefully everything will get off to an early start for planting out later.

Our potatoes are chitting in the conservatory - First and Second Earlies are Nadine, Swift and Arran Pilot (small quantities of each), and for an early main/salad crop equivalent we'll be concentrating on Charlotte. We hope to get early crops of these lovely potatoes and be able to keep plenty for later in the year, and avoid the possible risk of blight later in the Summer.

I have sown Gardeners Delight and Marmande tomato seeds already, as well as 3 types of chilli seeds - the names of which will follow!  They were bought from the South Devon Chilli Farm website. It sells a big range of seeds, plants and associated equipment and composts. It's a shame it's so far away as I'd love to visit and see the full range of what goes on there.