I try not to change my selection of vegetables too much, as I seem to have found the right balance of quantities and varieties for my annual needs.
However, I have had two particular recommendations for this year. The variety of haricot vert called 'Crockett' is said to be a really excellent new variety. It is highly productive, very tasty, and quite dark in colour. My friend Margaret Barwick gives them 10/10, so how can I refuse. The second change is my Beetroot; I shall sow a new variety (to me) called betterave d'Egypte, which again comes highly recommended.
Not much happening down at Haddock's as yet. I'm digging and spreading compost, and trying to ensure that the whole plot is relatively weed free.
Elsewhere there are a few signs of life. The Daffs are just in flower, and both of our varieties of Clematis are sprouting leaves. However, we mustn't be fooled into thinking that Spring has arrived, I expect there's plenty of cold weather to come.
Finding the right balance of vegetables to grow for your needs is really great.
ReplyDeleteI might try to grow one tomato plant for my needs. The packrats eat everything I have tried to grow.
Thank You so much for the photo of Billy. I think he has grown. They always grow so fast the first months.
cheers, parsnip
He certainly eats enough! He is full of energy and fun.
DeleteBilly is just adorable! He will help you in the garden I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteHe eats a lot of earth at the moment, maybe I can teach him to eat weeds.
DeleteI am going to look for those beans. Sick of failures. I have been given tomato seed and NZ pumpkin seed which I must start off soon.
ReplyDeleteSpring really doesn't seem to be appearing here yet. I saw one spring flower yesterday. Just one but I suppose it's a sign.
I over planted lettuces this winter. We still have loads and they're starting bolt.
My friend said the beans were the best she'd ever had, and apparently, once picked, they stay fresh for longer too.
DeleteBilly will be only too keen to help you dig. Are your beans climbing french beans?
ReplyDeleteLX
They're dwarf beans; 50 cm max. I don't grow any climbers.
DeleteYou wrote about vegetables but everybody's thoughts are here for Billy.
ReplyDeleteHe may appear from time to time in amongst other subjects!
DeleteBilly is gorgeous. He is so puppy fluffy. They do grow very quickly at this stage.
ReplyDeleteHe's one huge bundle of energy. Quite hard work keeping up with him.
DeleteDoes Billy go with you on your morning walk?
ReplyDeleteI've taken him to meet the horses, but about 200 metres is the furthest so far.
DeleteI'm changing what I grow every year but as the kids grow and their tastes change I'm just adapting it to suit. The beans sound interesting. I'm growing lots of beans for drying this year, we've loved mixed beans stews this winter. Even got some seed from America to try.
ReplyDeleteI used to grow the pink/white Borlotti Beans for drying. They made wonderful winter Bean stews. These days I just grow French and Broad beans.
DeleteI tend to stick mostly to the same outdoor basics, but like experimenting with a few unusual tomato varieties each year, in addition to the usual (in the greenhouse - too wet here!).
ReplyDeleteBest to stick with what one knows does best. One can over experiment, and waste time and space.
DeleteBilly is getting stuck in and finding his way around by the looks of it ! Puppies are so cute ..... did you have Monty and Bok as puppies ? XXXX
ReplyDeleteWe had |Monty as a pup, then Bok turned up a few months later, but they were still very small when they first met. Billy is really exploring outdoors. Thank goodness the weather is perfect.
DeleteI can't decide whether to grow any vegetables this year or not. So far the weather hasn't even allowed me into the garden sto start the pre-spring tidy up.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a polytunnel? I would have thought one would be perfect for where you are (well tethered, of course).
DeleteWhen I saw your comment on my comment I did a double take. My original comment had mentioned a Polycrub and then I realised I'd have to explain that so abandoned it. Many of my friends have tried polytunnels but their destruction rate in hurricanes is too great. However polycarbonate 'polytunnels' called Polycrubs are blossoming and I've been thinking of getting one of them. It's the only way if one wants to grow anything other than roots and brassicas.
DeleteI will be starting my seeds inside next week. Even though we had springtime temperatures recently, winter is not over. We are going to have a snow and ice storm today. I am planning on planting less this year, but we will see how that goes and if I can resist buying new colorful offerings.
ReplyDeletePuppies are full of energy and a lot of work. Billy is a beautiful pup and I am sure your days will not be dull.
I shall wait until April before I start sowing or planting in ernest. We can have frosts until mid-May.
DeleteHello Billy :-)
ReplyDeleteMy snowdrops are out en masse. This happened at the weekend. I'm clearing up winter debris and doing some lopping. Not much else to report gardening wise.
A short cold snap is forecast to interrupt our t-shirt weather.
Just the Daffs out here. There's a nearby woodland that's covered in snowdrops; I'll have to go there soon, I need to dig some plants.
DeleteWe are a long way from planting. We have had more snow, followed by freezing rain, than I can remember. I'll be glad to see spring.
ReplyDeleteGood to see the "young citizen" out and about, he is very cute.
We've just been introducing him to the horses. They all touched noses.
DeleteI love raw beetroot in thin slices in a salad with croutons.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I've eaten Beetroot raw; I must try. Thanks.
DeleteWell, Cro, I no longer sow or mind a garden, but I do hang out here and remark from time to time. With those bonafides, will you drop me a note at jnoragon@gmail.com. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to try one or two different things each year..you never know!!
ReplyDeleteI'm certain the beans will be good, as the recommendation came from the 'highest' source. Beetroot is usually pretty much the same regardless of variety; we'll see.
DeleteThat pup looks settled and seems very interested in something just under his nose.
ReplyDeleteTypical Border Collie stance.
He seems to eat almost everything. Grass, earth, dead leaves, etc. He also runs around then lies down flat; as if he's rounding up sheep.
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