I'm pleased your seedlings are doing well. I must say that due to the cold and low light  levels(it's been dull here nearly every day for weeks) my seedlings are struggling a little. It's difficult to stop the Toamtoes getting very spindly and leggy as it's so dull in my potting shed.I've put up lots of aluminium foil to try and reflect what light there is but think I'm going to buy some daylight light bulbs to try give them a boost as forecast is pretty dire for this week as well!!!

I can't wait to get the seeds started, and want to get my greenhouse running but have you seen the price of parafin, in the garden centres its astronomical, but it still seems to be the cheapest form of heat , any ideas. I run my local garden club in the village and am looking for ideas for quizzes and speakers.

I have started the chillies and aubergine seeds already in a heated greenhouse but I am a little sceptical, watching the weather and knowing you are all right and pretty much all seeds will catch up, I just get so impatient!

My biggest worry at the moment is that my seed potatoes and onion sets are still not here, yet in every mag I read I should be chitting them as we speak...

Just new to growing vegetables so would welcome some advice regarding planting shallots and onions. Would it be possible to start them off in pots ? Also last year I grew potatoes but they were all affected with wee yellow worms was this due to the ground having been fallow for years ? It is a new allotment site. Any hints would be wonderful. Thanks in anticipation

Hi all

Davidivemy i use organic compost from B@Q it seems fine, everything sprouted now in my utility room where they will all stay till March then into the heated greenhouse.

great veg tubs-good job well done

Hi Colin, What seed compost did you use?  I've tried several over the years normally the large DIY propriety bagged compost.  Thanks   Dave

Happy to accept advise from other members

Any advice about starting a raised bed for vegetables would be much appreciated, I know it will be hard work, but determined to give it a lot of time and energy, where do I start? can I use old compost from tubs and baskets from last year added to our own compost.  What can I plant in a raised bed, I would love runner beans, shallotts, carrotts, broad beans.  I have to prepare the ground first, or could I put a black membrane down to kill off the bramble and other weeds.

thanks in anticipation.

I have tried several electronic cat scarers, non of them realy,really worked.

The cats just get used to them.

              John.

My fingers are itching to get sowing but will clean,tidy & sort first but then be no stopping me !!!  My plant this year is to fill my allotment  full to the brim so the weeds struggle and can't beat me and give excess produce (hopefully) to family, friends & neighbours.

I must say I bought a mixed cabbage,cauli and broccoli set from poundland and they have happily sprouted on my window sill, will put them in small pots shortly til its gets a bit warmer, in teory being in Devon we should be able to start a but earlier, but was really shocked to see snow on saturday morning!

 I have to say I only plant out in on the allotment when it is time to do so, we have an added problem Norfolk is always a month behind every were else, so yes do not plant to early could be your undoing.

I agree with mysticveg, we all fall in to the trap of sowing too early and then the plants get leggy and weak. But it is very tempting at this time of year isn't it. I did sow some seeds yesterday (leeks  peppers and cress) but mainly just spent time washing out pots and cleaning potting shed in readiness. I couldn't believe it: my cress which I sowed yesterday lnchtine had already sprouted this morning. I know they're quick but wow!

hi i planted some leaks collys and giant onions.but only have them in my house.will they be o.k or should they be in a heated green house.new to the gardening  got my self an allotment. spent all last year tiding it up. did not get chance to plant anything . and need some tips.

Careful not to start things too early. plenty of time yet & they always play "catchup" Your own stuff will knock the supermarkets for 6! Good luck with it all.

Mysticveg.