Don't "Panic" Plant

Seed companies have been selling out of seed or having huge orders that they can't cope.

Seeds from America!

I've seen lots of Tweets on Twitter and other sources of people growing gardens while they're in quarantine or lock down. Something I actively encourage as there might be predicted shortage of certain veg later int he year in the UK due to labour shortages as mentioned in my last post.



But I've also seen lots of people panic planting to accompany the panic buying.  When you're worried about the food chain it's the logical thing to do, especially when stuck at home.

Trouble is we've had a few warm March days that feel a bit like summer so some people have tried to sow everything. I've seen people planting French and Runner beans already - Even if you're worried about the future sowing things too early won't always mean you'll get an earlier crop. At worst you'll loose the plant to frost and at best you'll keep it alive through lots of care and effort.

Plants planted later normally catch up. It's taken me the best part of 20 years to realise this and I still fall into the same trap every year but I have different ways of beating the system that sometimes work!

Of course it all depends where you are in the country (or world) and what methods you have for growing. A polytunnel or greenhouse will certainly mean you can grow more at an earlier time but they're still not free from frost yet (unless they're heated).

But there is still plenty to plant at this time of year and we've been sowing like crazy as well as trying to fight the mice for it.

lots of peas sown here! from about 10 varieties! 

So far here we've planted in the greenhouse:

Peas,
Broad Beans,
Beetroot,
Chard,
Some herbs,
Lettuce,
Cabbage,
Broccoli,
Leeks,
Shallots,
Onion sets (although these should be outside I just don't have the bed ready)
Spinach,

And in the garden we have planted:
Peas,
Garlic (these were planted last year),
Potatoes (risky early ones that I'll cover)
Carrots (again covered)

And for a bit more warmth on a windowsill or heated propergator we have:
Tomatoes (lots)
Chilli and sweet peppers (sown in January under grow lights),
Cucumbers (for an early crop in the polytunnel)
Cucamelons,
Achochas,
A few herbs,


I'm sure there is loads I've missed off this list but there is also lots we don't grow here for one reason or another (celeriac as my wife hates it is one example and I don't like aubergines much).  But my main purpose is just to say don't rush, plants grow in a cycle that can only be pushed so far.

There is still plenty to do in the garden and lots to get ready. Lets hope with more people growing their own this year that they continue to do so for the love of it.