More broad beans

Planted a couple of rows of broad bean seeds directly into the soil.  See how they get on compared to the seedlings I planted earlier.

Mas Padron

Spotted some Padron pepper seeds in a garden centre in Wrexham so thought I would have another go.

Determined to get more than a few off this year.  Only 10 seeds in the packet though!

Potato planting

Planted 2 types of potato -  Pentland Javelin (couldn't resist the name) are First Earlies which will be ready in June, and Nicola, Second Earlies, which I had before and seemed to resist the underground slug invasion.  They'll be ready in July.

Can't wait!

The furthest 2 rows are Pentland and the nearest 3 rows are Nicola.  I assume they will look a bit different when they grow but maybe not.

First post of 2017

Noticed that the number of blog posts has gone down each year.  So determined Tomane a bit more of an effort this year and kick it all off with this slightly pointless post.

What's happening.

Garlic coming along nicely - I'll add a picture when it stops raining.

Sweet peas look great in their 'over-winter' root trainers.

Potatoes - chatting new (Pentland Javelin) and first early (Nicola)

Artichokes - 3 plants that I split from the main one now look very well and I'm sure I'll get a good crop this year.

Rhubarb - starting to show, not sure whether to bother with the 'forcing' thing this year.

Strawberries - loads of potted on babies form the runners last year.

Seeds - need to stay off the beans and courgettes soon.

Greenhouse needs cleaning 'cos it's a bit green . . . 

Still harvesting, tomatoes, courgettes and blackberries

Today

Jam

First attempt at Blackberry jam, recipe chosen at random from the billion or so on the Internet http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/11750/angelas-flexible-jam-recipe

Interesting that empty jam jars cost almost as much as full pots of (cheapish) jam.

Jam tastes great, but probably won't last long enough to end up as Christmas gifts.

Tomatoes ripening nicely

Better this year than last.  Loads of tomatoes on 4 plants (growing a little wilder than I had originally planned) and starting to ripen nicely.