Despite limited options for growing outside, there is still work to be done in the vegetable garden for this and next month when we can sow broad bean, shallots, artichokes, potatoes, onions and garlic. As you may know, I have my beds covered in black mypex ground cover to protect the soil which makes preparation easier as the soil underneath is drier than it normally would be.
Cautious early sowing
It can be tempting to start seeds off indoors too early as we are all anxious to get started in a new season. Just remember that starting seeds off before their optimum time is usually a compromise of some sort; it is easy to germinate a seed but growing a good seedling plant in cold conditions with lower light levels is more difficult.
Onions
The easiest way to grow onions is from sets (planted in March) but if you grow from seed you will have a wider choice of varieties and the resulting onions tend to store better. Seeds are sown in late February and will need to stay in their trays for 8 weeks before being planted out in late April/early May.
Potatoes in the polytunnel
Again, if you have the room, you can plant potatoes in a polytunnel from late January for an early crop in May (your outdoor potatoes won’t be ready until July). You are better to plant a first early variety e.g. ‘Casablanca’ or ‘Homeguard’ to harvest early and therefore free up the space as soon as you can.Remember, frost can still be a problem in a polytunnel to which potatoes are very sensitive; cover young plants with fleece on frosty nights. Potatoes also need a lot of water so make sure they get adequate irrigation when they are bulking up in April or you may be disappointed.
Sowing direct
Provided it is not very cold there are a number of crops you can sow direct into your polytunnel beds throughout the month of February. The soil can be warmed a little pre sowing by either covering with black plastic or by using a cloche or mini tunnel which gives a ‘double greenhouse’ effect and traps more heat from the sun.
Sowing in modules
The problem with a smaller indoor growing space is you will probably want the room for tomatoes etc… so growing outdoor crops inside might not make sense. If you have the room however, you can start harvesting 4-6 weeks before you normally would outside.Plants to sow in modules now for planting indoors include pointed cabbage (Greyhound), Broccoli Calabrese (Green magic or Green sprouting), Mini cauliflower (Igloo), Coriander (Calypso), Lettuce (many types), Perpetual spinach and Swiss chard and Spring onions (Ishikura bunching). All if the above will need heat of 18˚C to germinate so will need a propagator or warm windowsill.
Essentials of Composting
Composting and the organisms involved, like all other life forms, need food, air and water to survive and thrive. Compost is rich in nutrients and is great for your garden, shrubs or even indoor potted plants.
