[richrua]

It seems the weather is to pick up over the week - temperature wise at least! I was up on the plot yesterday and uncovered and forked over a large bed. It looks like it is ready to sow or plant.

But I didn't plant the few onions growing in pots that I brought up with me. I popped them into the cold frame. Not very brave! I am thinking of putting in some broad beans next weekend.

I wonder has anyone planted or sown anything earlier this year? Who is brave? Is it too risky to bother?

[mumofstig]

when water is still freezing in the greenhouse overnight, I think it's too cold for anything  :blink:

[Lady Rosemary]

Yes, I have started off some broad beans and early peas end of January and they are now sitting nicely in my polytunnel.  Also have seedlings of 5 different type of chilli and 4 different type of sweet pepper, together with aubergine waiting to get bigger so they can also go in the tunnel.

Sowing 5 types of tomato and chitting early sweetcorn too that's also going in the tunnel.

I love this grow your own malarkey .... 'tis such good fun! 

Eagerly awaiting the arrival of my seed potatoes and shallots now ....

[sowitgrowit]

I've got Onion seedlings in the shed window, though mine are only 1" tall (some not even up yet) - nothing is freezing solid in there though at the moment, but it is a bit chilly.  They're also under polythene during the night (well, a Morrisons bag).

Ditto a pot of broad beans and they're happy enough.

I do think I've over-watered the onions though.

[mumofstig]

Yes, I have started off some broad beans and early peas end of January and they are now sitting nicely in my polytunnel.  Also have seedlings of 5 different type of chilli and 4 different type of sweet pepper, together with aubergine waiting to get bigger so they can also go in the tunnel.

Sowing 5 types of tomato and chitting early sweetcorn too that's also going in the tunnel.

Ahh well! I thought we were talking about outside. 

Indoors I have a few experimental early tomatoes, some aubergines and chillis 

[DD.]

Mum - you're right about the topic being outside sowing/planting - for me, just shallots one the ground dries out a  bit.

Lady Rosemary - Isn't East Leake in Nottinghamshire?  It was when I was in the Leicestershire Police - we always used to pass the buck! 

[richrua]

Thanks folks.

I do have some garlic in myself, which is beginning to show. It hasn't been as cold over here in February and I am really tempted to pop in a few broad beans for fun. I have a spot ready. I think I will cloche it for a few days to warm the soil and then go for it!

Yes indeed, this grow your own malarky is the business. I agree - for me it is as much about the calmness of being outdoors. I think it triggers some deep pleasant feeling from our past. I am champing at the bit to get to spring!

[richrua]

when water is still freezing in the greenhouse overnight, I think it's too cold for anything  :blink:

Did that work? First time trying a quote!

Yes - I have avoided the coldest weather here and so I think the soil itself is probably a little warmer than over there. I even noticed one or two weed seeds had germinated. Although, I think if the ice was inside to I doubt I would try to grow anything for a while yet!  :happy:

[mattwragg94]

yes your quote worked but how did you do it? ive never done one either!

[compostqueen]

I cloched a raised bed to warm  up the soil for sowing carrots but when I checked last week it had been blown clean off and was in the hedge bottom minus its glass    I'm going to do some clearing of weeds ready for potato planting but not until the weather is a bit less wintry. Freezing one's butt off on the plot is not one of life's pleasures  

[sowitgrowit]

yes your quote worked but how did you do it? ive never done one either!

Like this 


(Click on the "Quote" button to the right of the relevant post - this will let you reply, quoting the content of that post).

[PurplePixie]

I think in my case it wasn't quite 'brave and early' ...more like 'over-excited and stupid' 

I had a few things sowed in the greenhouse weeks ago that I thought had frozen and died but they have just started to peak through so I think I was just lucky! 

[compostqueen]

Ah well you shouldn't be so hasty as to chuck em. The trays thaw out and the seeds will often germinate. Mine have. I sowed hardy lettuces and oriental leaves but they're fine and growing away

[PurplePixie]

Mr Pixie wondered what on earth was going on when he heard a little voice in the garden say " woo hooo... well done, I thought you was dead!"  

[Springlands]

Mr Pixie will have to get used to those sort of comments - they are quite common amongst gardeners.