I went to the horticultural society trading shed this morning to buy the onion sets and seed potatoes I’ll be growing this year.
The onions are Sturon as usual, which I’ve always found reliable and store well. I’ve still got enough to last me to at least Easter, which is the end of next month and they’re mostly bigger than a tennis ball.
Picture shows one that size, along with some sets.
This year I’m trying the first early potato Foremost which according to one of my reference books has a good flavour and stays firm when boiled. The second earlies are Charlottes which are my favourite variety. They’ve always done well – growing, cooking and storing. I’m chosen Desiree for the main crop, which I have grown in the past, and the same book says that this pink-skinned variety is hard to beat.
I’ll be putting them in plastic trays on the spare windowsill during the week to chit, and providing that ground conditions and the weather is okay will be planting them out from late next month into early April.
I always feel that once I’ve bought these that the new growing season is underway again at last.
The weather has remained been cold, damp and dull but by the end of next week the temperature will be in double figures C, and mostly dry with some sunshine so hopefully I’ll be plotting again.
Have a good week and take care!
Flighty's plot 
Interesting comparison in size in your picture of mature onion and the sets you bought today. It sounds as though you’re well prepared for the upcoming growing season. Here, in the US, we’ve had torrential rain with thunder and lightning which has now transferred to heavy snow and falling temps. I’m ready for spring!
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Yes, and onions can get grow considerably bigger than that. I like to think that I am. Goodness, that’s a right mix of bad weather. I’m not surprised. xx
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I now grow Charlotte too and for years now I’ve grown Desiree (even though I’m still not sure if I’m saying it right!). My soil is sandy and they do tend to get a bit of scab if I leave them in too long but very reliable and tasty variety.
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Sharon hello, and welcome. Good for you, on both counts. My soil is clay so generally don’t have that problem, and I agree it is. xx
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It’s amazing how the onions start off so tiny and the size you get them too Mike. I’ve been thinking about chitting potato time. I’ve visited the plot twice since my last post. Fingers crossed I’ll be back on the plot tomorrow and Tuesday getting through jobs and preparing what will soon be a bonfire! Happy plotting Mike. Take care and wishing you a great week ahead xx
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Rebecca yes it certainly is. Good for you. I hope that you don’t get too cold today and tomorrow. It’s always good to have a bonfire. Thanks, for you too and likewise. xx
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Great isn’t it?! Getting there 🙂 Am looking after a friend’s seedlings and starting my own too next week! 🙂 Here’s to more sunshine xx
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It sure is. Well done. Good for you. Yes please! xx
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I agree about chitting potatoes signifying the start of the season! After three years of Colorado bettles I have decided to have a break from growing pots for a year, but I miss the pots chitting in the back bedroom already!
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Cathy good for you. How annoying, I don’t blame you and I’m not surprised. xx
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… and the season is beginning to progress.
Wish you good growing with the onions and potatoes.
All the best Jan
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Jan it certainly is. Thanks. For you too. xx
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Good luck with those new varieties. Since you grow potatoes every year, do you rotate their location?
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Nikki, yes I work on a three year rotation for all the vegetables. xx
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Yes, I think the buying of the onion sets and the seed potatoes signal the start of the new growing season. It won’t be long until you’re getting the soil ready to plant them out and then it’s all systems go!
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Jo it seems to have been a long wait this year. That all sounds good to me. xx
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