I wonder if you can all advise an ignoramus?
I have purchased 2kg of each Rocket & Maris Bard 1st earlies and Charlotte 2nd earlies. Do I need to start chitting them now? I am worried that I might be too early.
Also, I bought a kilo of shallot sets with the view that I could pop them in now just so that I have something growing on my new plot. Having looked in what books I have, they suggest March as being the right time. Can I put them in now? I am in Leicestershire if that helps.
Thanks in advance.
TimJ
I'm glad you asked that TimJ, cause I'd like to know the answer to both too.
Was thinking about planting some of my shallots this weekend.
Hi Timj,
     I know how you feel it is just round corner the time to get planting etc..
I am wanting to get going too.
I would say leave things for a while longer ..
It has been mild of late but I think we still have a bit of frost to come Yet...
Only things I have got going is my show  onion seeds they have just germinated in propagator...
I now have job of keeping them warm till march ..
cheers ..Jim...
P.S. I am in south yorks
Just hazarding a guess -
1. See also the potato thread in 'Edibles'.
2. Shallots - normally mid Feb. Keep cool & airy but, if sprouting, get them in!
3. Early pots - yes - get them chitting. But, as always, be prepared to protect them if frost is forecast when the foliage is showing.
4. Keeping onion seedlings warm - why?? = Tim
Thanks very much Tim, I'll get the spuds in seed trays to chit.
And I will leave the shallots a little longer before putting them in, I bought some garlic today that I will pop into my onion bed this weekend ;)
I guess I'm just keen to get planting!!
Hi Tim,
The reason I keep em warm is so they keep growing without getting any check on them at all .Ok they may stand a bit of frosting once they are potted on but it will affect size of onion in the end .
Jim
Was looking around and found this today, looks quite interesting!
http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_november_1_potato.asp
It may help someone out there! DP
Doris you are a star :-*what an excellent site, it has just answered a question I asked on the edible section about seed potatoes thank you. ;D
Doris, I have to agree with Roy. That is an excellent site for a novice like myself and may even save me having to ask lots of silly questions.
Thanks very much for the link!! :D
Quote from: Doris_Pinks on January 12, 2005, 16:21:17
Was looking around and found this today, looks quite interesting!
http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_november_1_potato.asp
It may help someone out there! DP
Fantastic site!!
Today my toddler and I planted some container salad potatoes, stuck them in a growhouse in a covered veranda (fully enclosed ) as polytunnel still not up yet. Admitidly these are from last year seed potatoes which have survived and never planted as my toddler broke his leg - so instead of late summer plants for Christmas these will hopefully be early baby potatoes.
Last year I started my shallots in individual cells (as recommended by Monty Don in his book). I had some really large cells which had been pot holders for potted flower plants at local supermarket. These developed a strong root ball early on before planting out later in season and did really well.
I have also planted potatoes in cold frames and under fleece - and are keen to get sets in, but last week local suppliers still did not have sets/seed potatoes available.. Lets see how it all goes...