I'm forever sowing vegetable seeds at the moment, and when I'm not sowing vegetable seeds I'm pricking out seedlings, both on my allotment and on the vegetable patch at work.
I'm forever sowing vegetable seeds at the moment, and when I'm not sowing vegetable seeds I'm pricking out seedlings, both on my allotment and on the vegetable patch at work.
I always seem to be behind, however, and last year I completely forgot to sow any butternut squash seeds; it was too late by the time I realised.
I try to stick to my crop rotation plan and to save time, I sow many seeds directly into the ground, such as carrots, beetroot, chard and parsnips. This method works, as long as the seedlings are not attacked by slugs. Last year this was a real problem, and many of my young vegetable plants were lost to slugs and snails.
When sowing seeds outdoors, it's important to prepare the soil well, fork it to a fine tilth and rake it level. This ensures the seeds have the best possible conditions in which to germinate, and prevents them from being sown too deeply.
Last year my carrots were a disaster. It wasn't entirely my fault รข?? more a combination of the endless rain and the constant attack from slugs. This year I'm determined to do better; I'm trying out two varieties I've not grown before: Tendersnax, an early-maturing sweet carrot and Flyaway, which is supposed to deter carrot root fly. I'm also growing my favourite variety, Parmex, which has lovely ping-pong ball-sized roots, grows anywhere and tastes great. It's the perfect carrot.
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