March Week 1: Coldframe convert

Getting an early start with sowing has had mixed results. It's hard to be excited about the wispy winter lettuce seedlings. One great success though is the sprouting peas out in the coldframe. Temperatures have lowered recently but this isn't stopping new shoots emerging.

Mr Middleton said I could even sow my first set of northern broad beans and these are just starting to stir.

I think he might be mellowing a little this week.

Mr Middleton says: "Potatoes are exotics. Do not plant them until the sun has made its influence felt in the soil". 

The sun has not made it's presence felt up here at all so it looks like they'll have to stay settled in egg boxes. He has given me a diagram of well-sprouted and badly-sprouted potatoes to ponder. I didn't know I could be judged on this! There's also some thrifty tips on cutting and multiplying before planting. But, that's for another day.

Although not popular with all gardeners this is a great time of year to burn weeds and woody waste that won't go in the compost.

Can't find Middleton's view but can't see him as an objector. Second choice on advice would be Monty Don, soon to return to BBC's Gardener's World. He is always prepared to justify a garden fire.

As all my allotment neighbours are fellow fire-starters a crackling fire as dusk sets in is a great way to enjoy this time of year.