Sowing some seeds...........

The heavy rain here on Saturday has really helped the topsoil, and despite a very fine, misty drizzle this afternoon it was light and moist, and perfect for sowing seed. I put in a row of Isikuro spring onions, some Cherry Belle radishes, Little Gem lettuces , and Chantenay carrots.

I also prepared a small seed bed, where I intend to grow my brassicas this year, and sowed some red cabbage called Kalibos, as well as a pointed head variety I had great success with last year called Hispi. I’ve found that cabbage seedlings sown in the soil they are eventually going to grow in, seem to do a lot better when transplanted out than ones sown in trays of compost. I suppose it’s just less of shock, and they are also probably hardier from having been outside all the time.

The onions are starting to show through now, although the shallots are lagging behind. Also sprouting encouraging, if very tiny shoots, which I noticed for the first time today are the raspberry canes I planted in early November. I have ten canes each of two autumn fruiting varieties, Galante, and Allgold. Both come from Ken Muir, who is a highly recommend supplier of all things fruitful. I’ve recently seen that Matt of Matt’s Allotment is also growing Galante for the first time this year, so I guess there is a bit of competition to keep up with!