Apart from the odd bit of snow about the rest has all gone, and the world is green again! I only worked a morning today, so this afternoon I was able to get out into the greenhouse and sow a load of seeds. The temperature in the greenhouse is about 15 degrees so that’s a good temperature for seeds to germinate. I’ve got a lot to go through, so if you’re ready and sitting comfortably, then I’ll begin.

I’ll start with the fruits and veggies first, and then move onto a few flowers. I’ve attached some of the sowing videos from before to help you, and I’ll put links to all the seed companies I used.

Tomatoes – Now I did promise myself I wouldn’t grow as many different varieties as I normally do, plus I’m hoping to grow some of the tomatoes out in the raised beds this year (that may change later, but that’s the plan so far). I’ve only got four different varieties this year and a couple are from Spain, so unless you live there, or are able to visit, you may have to choose a slightly different variety. “Minibel Cocoktail” are small cherry tomatoes. You can buy seeds from Johnsons, but this is a compact plant, where as the ones I have, grow very tall. The other Spanish variety I have is “Supermarmande” which you can also buy from Thompson and Morgan, these are beef steak tomatoes. Then some good old reliable “Gardener’s Delight”, and then finally because they seemed so interesting some “Giant Tree Tomatoes“.

Chilli’s, sweet and hot – Again from Spain some “Padron Peppers”, but you can find the seeds at Marshalls if you want to give them a go. Then onto some Sweet Peppers, “California Wonder” and “Rainbow Mixed”. Mine grew brilliantly last year so I’m hoping for some great ones this year as well. Now onto something a little hotter. I’m only growing a couple of varieties of chillies this year, “Razzamatazz” and “Cayenne Red”. I’ve still got lots in the freezer, so don’t need that many this year. Although I’ve most probably sown more than I think.

Next I sowed some Cucumbers, two different varieties, one the seeds are from Spain, and they only grow to about 6 inches long, and you have to peel off the skin because it gets very bitter. In Spain they grow them outside, so the skin has to be fairly tough. I may try growing some outside this year and see how they get on. I might construct some sort of structure for them to climb up, but then again I may forget by then. The other variety are called “Louisa”.

And finally a few more veggies. Celeriac “Prinz”, which I’ve grown before, but not for several year.

Melons “Sugar Baby”.

“Parsley “Italian Giant”. This video shows a variety of herbs that I sowed a couple of years ago, including the parsley. Most herb seeds are sown in exactly the same way though.

And last but by no means least a couple of varieties of Aubergines “Kaberi” and a purple and white striped one from Spain, sorry I don’t know the name, but they look a bit like “Pinstripe” but only bigger.

Now onto the flowers. Flowers are very important to grow with or near your fruits and veggies as they attract the bees and this then helps with pollination. Some of these seeds are annuals, but some are perennials. Some I will grow with the veggies in the raised beds, but others I will be planting in my fairy garden to fill in some little spaces.

Annuals – Marigold “Crackerjack Mixed”, you can always save the seeds for next year if you like. They have lovely large orange heads, don’t grow very tall, so will need to be planted at the front of beds or in a pot. Marigolds are also great at attracting slugs and snails, so if you want to keep your precious veggies safe and don’t mind sacrificing your marigolds then they are a great companion plant.

Cosmos “Candy Stripe” – are another very pretty addition to the garden. They have very delicate flowers that the bees love. they can be sown straight outside in April/May time, but I do worry the germination rate isn’t so good.

Pennyroyal – is a perennial herb, which used to be very common, but faded out of fashion. It has gorgeous lilac coloured flowers which are perfect for a woodland garden or to fill a space in a flower bed.

Agapanthus “White Dwarf” – I just love. They come in all sorts of colours from white, light thorough to dark blue, and light through to dark purple. Many flowers can stand about 3 feet tall on their long thin stems. But there also some dwarf varieties around and these are the ones I’ve planted today. They are wonderful out in flower beds or even in a pot on the patio.

Moraea Huttonii – And finally I didn’t choose these, but they came free so I wasn’t going to complain. They are bright yellow and I’m sure they will look amazing where ever I decide to plant them.

I’ll keep you posted on how everything gets on and don’t forget I have my Claire’s Allotment Essentials Part One book is available HERE.

I will be working on Book Two at the end of this year, but I’ve got a Who done it novel to complete first. I know exciting stuff, well I think it’s exciting anyway.

Take care and stay safe and well. Enjoy getting back into your garden now that the weather has warmed up and Spring is nearly with us. There’s lots going on this year, and I’ll keep you posted right here.