Well it's time to get growing again folks- after a really cold and wet winter the soil is also wet and cold and any attempt to try to work it will only do damage- so resist the temptation unless you can work it without it sticking to your boots.
Just as well I invested in a polytunnel last year which we have already planted and sowed with new potatoes [queens and duke of york] and beetroot and carrots for an early crop.
People are always asking for tips on growing carrots. The most important thing is the soil- make sure you have a depth of at least 30cm or a foot of well tilled soil or your roots will fork and you won't get good length. don't put manure in as this also encourages forking better to grow on well fertilized soil from last year after e.g. potatoes.I always make a deep drill and water after cutting out my lines where I will sow then carefully sow your seeds making sure you aren't too mean [you can always thin but you can't sow more] then cover carefully and when seedlings are three or four cm high earth up to discourage carrot fly. If you do this continually you will prevent the fly from being able to get at the roots and you will also help with carrot top [green tops] especially important is to earth up immediatly after thinning.
You should also have sown your tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers if you are going for them. Sow now if not in trays, water first then sow then cover with plastic to keep moist-when seedling show uncover and make sure they are near light and warm.
All salad types can be started in trays and planted out in late march or in containers now but best to cover as weather can still be cold.
Onions, shallots and garlic should be in by now plant in well manured ground.
Well hope you enjoy your spring sowing and lets hope the weather improves.
Remember that good soil preparation helps to give plants a good start and reduces pests like slugs getting your plants before they get going.
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