Creation of a garden:April 2023 – spring planting and early progress

I THOUGHT readers would like a catch up on what I have been doing since my last article, well I have been quite busy.

First, I lifted all the onions which I planted last October and I have to say I am pleased with the results. I have two varieties, white and red, (apparently, they are quite expensive so my wife tells me so she is pleased).

They are all drying out on the side of the shed. You have to leave them a couple of weeks in a cool dry place to let them dry out before they are ready to eat. And, as it is very dry at the moment what better place to leave them than hanging outside in the sun.

We have also had a good crop of broad beans, which are still being harvested, so more fresh veg for the table and freezing for eating later.

The variety of red potatoes I planted late February are doing really well and the variety of white potatoes I planted early March are just beginning to show thorough. So, I am hoping for a good crop this year.

I have planted 10 kilos at a cost of 8€ I expect a yield of around 100 kilos, so not a bad investment. If you want to grow them at home its quite easy even if you don’t have a vegetable plot. Just use pots, one potato in a medium size pot will produce enough for a Sunday lunch, and they will be really tasty.

I have planted cherry tomatoes in my little ‘greenhouse’ and just split them into individual plugs.

I have 50 individual plugs, too many for me, so some of my friends will benefit from the ‘leftovers’.

I have also planted cucumber seeds and waiting to see how they take. I have had some success in the past, but you can never really tell from one year to the next!

I will update readers on progress in the next instalment.

Next Time – More about planting.

The red potatoes, planted in late February, are really coming on and you can see the white variety I planted at the end of March just starting to show through.

The beetroot I planted in October is now ready for lifting and in the background, you can see early lettuce and some healthy-looking garlic

A good crop of broad beans, planted at the beginning of November last year

Cherry tomatoes in individual plugs, should be ready to plant early May

Onions planted in October last year