Having said that, the allotment hasn't been completely without activity, we got our early spuds in for a start. One row each of Red Scarlet and Annabel planted in individual holes rather than a trench (will do the main crop in a trench I think, was just giving this a go as an experiment). We've cut back on how many we've sown this year, only ten tubers of each, as we found we had far too many last year and we don't actually get through that many new potatoes compared to main crop so it made sense to cut back a bit and save the space for something else.
As you can see at the top of this pic we've also planted the ten asparagus crowns we got from Victoriana Nurseries as well as some broad beans (closest to the camera) I accidentally chitted at home. I say accidentally because I'd been trying out a tip I'd heard about soaking the seeds in some water overnight before planting, unfortunately circumstances then stopped me from going to the plot for a couple of days so I ended up leaving the thoroughly soaked beans on some damp kitchen paper and by the time I get to plant them a couple of days later they'd all started to sprout. With any luck they'll not mind the change in environment and carry on growing, if not I'll know not to do that again next year...
The parsnip seeds I started off in the airing cupboard have been something of a success too, pretty much 100% germination which doesn't seem bad for an old packet of seed. I've potted up twenty eight into loo roll's full of compost to give the roots a good start before they go outside. The plan is to sow a row of this years parsnip seed direct into the ground one night this week to see if there's any big difference between the two methods come harvest time.Sorry for the horrible quality photos by the way, I used my phone in not great light. I'll use the proper camera from now on....
7 comments:
I'm using the same method as you, chitting my parsnip seed before potting up in loo rolls.
I've just taken on my first allotment and can't wait to get something planted. There's lots of digging and weeding to be done first though!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog!Another lucky person who has an allotment! Greeeeeeen with envy!! the nearest allotments are over 7 miles away!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway I shall watch how you get on, instead!!
Well done getting stuff in! It really is a great feeling....looking forward to seeing how it develops ove rthe year.
Your Parsnips are looking good Paul, so far 1 of mine has germinated and the rest - nothing. I must be doing something wrong. Never mind, I will nurture the one I have and hope it grows to harvest! I suppose there is still time for another one to grow.
Wow - someone succeeding with the germination of parsnip seeds.
Also a belated Welcome back. I missed reading your blog while you were away.
Hello, love your blog, found in while searching for info on parsnips. I got a free pack of them from Baker Creek with an order I placed, and have NO idea what to do with parsnips. It looks like you're planting a lot; what is your favorite way to cook them? (P.s. love the loo rolls; I'll never throw another one away again!
Best regards, from Across the Pond, Linda :-D
Cheers for all the comments guys :)
@ Stringbean - I'd say try a few more seeds, they take so long to grow once they're in the ground I can't see a few weeks at this end of the year being a problem. And they'llbe worth it when you're pulling them in the middle of winter... :)
@ Linda - thanks for stopping by, we absolutly love parsnips roasted either on their own like potatoes or in a nice tray of other roots and squashes all roasted together.
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