Spring - it is officially here

The 21st of March came and went and so did a partial eclipse....The evenings are getting lighter and the sun is warming the soil.

So I have planted some broad beans - The Sutton - a dwarf variety which is suitable for windy sites - which mine is at times.  I have 12 plants in - I got these from the market, however I also have 12 seeds planted which are just sprouting - I have to get better at successional sowing to avoid gluts and then lean periods. I have grown Witikem and The Sutton before but have decided on The Sutton only for this year.

I was seriously worried about my rhubarb.  Nothing seemed to be coming up.  However I realised my mistake whilst doing some research.  I gave the site a serious mulch which can lead to crown rot....I have removed the mulch and will mulch in summer around the plant.  I have today seen the loveliest of pink just peaking through the soil - sigh of relief, I love rhubarb crumble - after years of avoiding it!

Oh Garlic has been planted - Solent Wight (as in Isle of Wight) - which suits our climate - one bulb yielded x15 cloves - each I hope to grow! This is a soft neck variety. For ages I just heard hard neck and soft neck and was unsure what it meant - each has their own characteristics - see below for soft neck characteristics.....let me know if you want some garlic folks!

Does not produce flower stalks unless stressed

It is best harvested when the foliage starts going over

It has better storage qualities than hardneck varieties

If autumn planted it will keep until mid- to late-winter

If planted in early spring softneck varieties it can be stored until mid-spring

I haven't done much else....tidying and pruning....the shredder I purchased with my birthday money has been really useful.....But to leave us on a spring note I have some scented violets in pots - I love the scent and simplicity of these dainty flowers.