Veg Talk – February 2024

Broad beans can be sown in propagator or greenhouse, or if very mild straight into the ground but beware that if sown in Feb rather than October they are more likely to be attacked by blackfly and/or eaten by mice.

Potatoes – time to chit, place rose end upwards (egg boxes/trays) and keep in a light cool area. Will be ready when chits are top joint of thumb size, if longer they are not getting enough light and are unlikely to produce a good crop. Plant out March/April. Earlies can be left in the ground until needed.

Parsnips – are on sale as seedlings in Smiths in small pots/trays – not the best way to grow as if the root reaches the bottom it will fork. Can be planted out in February but will need protection, an expensive way to grow. Much cheaper to buy seeds – take 2 to 3 weeks to germinate. Mix parsnip seeds with radish seeds, these germinate very quickly and will act as a reminder where your parsnip seeds have been sown.

Onion sets – planted March, still available at garden centres such as Smiths, the Chadwell Allotment Shop has sold out. Also garlic and shallots. Good varieties are Stuttgart, Centurion or Sturon.

Tidy Up Time get your plot ready for the main growing season. Prune your apple and pear trees. Clean and tidy up your site and enjoy the next few months.

Happy growing!