Veg Talk – February 2026

Onions sets can be planted from March; they can have a good soak if in dry area, but must be allowed to dry out before soaking again. As our summers are getting drier the onions are smaller when cropped. Japanese onions are planted in November and are cropped a month earlier than regular onions, though they do not store as well. Red onions bolt more quickly than white onions. As soon as you see a flower spike snap it out and the onions will still swell but you will have to cut out, not use, the thicker tougher flower spike in the centre.

Shallots can go out now in a dryish patch.

Garlic can also go into ground if not too wet as could rot if it is also cold.

Cauliflowers – 2025 was a tough year for cauliflowers they need a lot of water and must not be allowed to dry out. Plant autumn and overwinter carefully.

Broad beans – sow in pots or in the ground – not too late to start. BB sown in November are hardier against blackfly.

Pruning – Good time to prune currant bushes, apple and pear trees – but not cherry or plum.