Posted: Saturday 31 December, 2005
Well, as the bells approach, we're planning for 2006.
Hopefully, we've got two Tamworth boars coming in March (don't want to count my pigs before they are hatched!) and I think we've got our new hens sorted too. If the plan works, we'll be getting 6 Light Sussex pullets and a Buff Sussex cockerel. The pullets are only eight weeks at present so we've asked the breeder if he can hold on to them until they can go outside (they're still under low heat at the moment). They won't come into lay for another three months, but our current lot should start laying again soon. Photos of the new arrivals to follow, of course.
We've also had a sort out of the seed box and got our order in to the Organic Catalogue. Some of the varieties we've ordered are ones we've tried before; some are new to us.
Tomato Supersweet 100 and Ailsa Craig
Cucumber Rocky F1 (we don't usually grow cucumber, but this is a mini variety)
Pepper Jumbo
Broad bean Stereo (remember to pick them early this year)
French beans Canadian Wonder (for eating fresh or drying)
Beetroot Forono and Red Ace
Cabbage Minicole (another mini variety)
Cabbage Savoy Vertus
Carrot Autumn King and Resistafly F1 (to be lifted and stored before the rabbits eat them)
Leek Bandit and Pandora
Lettuces Various
Onions Red Baron and Turbo
Rocket
Shallots Longor
Sweetcorn Sweet Nugget (brilliant in 2005)
Potato Red Duke of York, Desiree (my favourite), Maris Peer
Herbs Coriander, Sage, Parsley, Mint, Basil and Thyme
I'm planning to grow all new herbs this year and only ones we actually use.
We've got some seeds left from last year - parsnip, runner beans, peas - that we'll use this year. In fact we're going to sow some salad this weekend, just to get us started.
So, here's to 2006 - may you all have a peaceful and prosperous year!
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