Wednesday, February 07, 2007

2007 Crop Selection - Part 1

So, now is the time when we have to start planning what to grow this year. Now every year I draw up a big list, only to only grow half of it because either I don't get around to buying the seeds, or planting them, or simply clearing the ground - I'm far too optimistic about my progress on that front!

So, this time around Ive split my plans into 3; the first group are definites, and I've the space to grow them right now. The second are probables, and assuming I manage to complete the clearing that I'm (conservatively) hoping to, will fit nicely.

The last group are 'nice to have' crops; I hope to get to them but it's dependent on me doing a reasonable amount of work so it might not come off!

Group 1



  • Leeks (Musselburgh) - we still have seeds left over from last year and they were delicious; this time I'll take better care of them!

  • Savoy (Ormskirk) - again, left over from last year.

  • Sweetcorn (a supersweet variety TBD) - always pleasing to grow!



Yes, I know I said that I'd never grow Savoy again, but my wife is determined! This year I'll do a couple of things different - first I'll protect them a little better from the birds at the start, and secondly I'm going to look into some sort of 'companion planting' to address the butterfly problems...

Group 2



  • Courgette (Golden Zucchinni or Gold Rush) - I've never grown them but I'm told their easy and tasty!

  • Garlic - I'll try it again this year, but in a slightly more controlled manner so I don't lose them like I did last year

  • Potatoes (Majestic?) - not too decided on the variety yet, hopefully we can find something unusual to try



As I said, I know where these will all go, even if the ground is currently occupied by weeds and bushes!

Group 3



  • Carrots (intermediate root) - something sweet and tasty

  • Lettuce (Sherwood) - we happen to have an old packet of seeds lurking, although I don't know if they're till viable

  • Tomatoes - from seed. I've not done it before, and I'm always frustrated buying tomato plants because I go in with a specific variety in mind, only to find they don't have any real choice



So that's the first step done; the next step is to figure out where we get the seeds from, and to pin down the precise varieties we'll go for!

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