Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, (and Tarragon and Oregano)

Progress so far

Potatoes showing through, as are the mange tout and early peas. Bean poles up and cloches in place to warm the soil to sow some rashly early seeds. Far broad beans were under the fleece cloche and are weeks ahead of the row that was uncovered; this may not be the warmth but the protection from the wind. There are a few gaps which I've resown.Flowers on the strawberries, a bit early, we had a frost on Friday. Parsnips, carrots (three different colours) and herbs sown, coriander is just through.

Everything else dug out ready to sow. This is about as tidy as it ever gets, once the warmth and spring rain hit, it will be a mess of annual weeds as usual.

Early signs of spring

First signs of spring. First early potatoes, strawberries, mange tout, over-wintering onions and broad beans. 

New Flag

New flag, all ready for the Jubilympics.

Bean Trench

Digging out the bean trench. There is about a spade depth of top soil, then heavy clay subsoil. I broke this up as far as possible to try and improve the drainage.

The trench was lined with two bin bags of shredded paper, part filled with kitchen waste and semi-rotted compost, then back filled with the original soil.This will settle back close to ground level so I've marked it with a couple of pegs. By the time peas and beans are sowed and planted in May, it should be a rich reservoir of moist plant food.

Flag

I need a new flag.

More clearing up.

Still working on clearing the plot ready for the spring.

I put these saffron bulbs in last year, but not had enough flowers to get a crop yet.

Florence fennel that ran to seed before bulking out. 

They can't be sown too early as they bolt if it is too hot, but September must have been too late. I have two varieties to try this year and will sow in succession.

The flavour is very strong when they are fresh.