Spring sunshine

   The sun has shined a lot this last week. It has been nice to wake up before dawn and wait for the dawn chorus to start before getting up. There have been a few days of frosts but every day that now goes by means less of a chance of a frosty morning. That does not mean I lower my guard! Potatoes which are now putting up shoots need to be earthed up every evening and the more tender plants like peppers, chili's and tomatoes need to be protected in the poly tunnel.
   In the outside garden more forking, more weeding, more grass mowing and a bonfire. Only a small amount of ground to fork and weed left and that is in the area where the courgettes and pumpkins will go, so not urgent! I have sowed Touchon and Long Less de Meaux carrot along  with a row of salsify. Shallots, tree onions and onion sets are growing well. There is a good show of parsnip seedlings.
   In the poly tunnel more Evesham Special Brussels sprouts transplanted along with Provence thyme, Basque chili, White sage, Moss curled parsley, Roma and Gardeners Delight tomatoes. I am now regularly pulling lettuce (Batavia) and radishes. There is Moss Curled parsley, chives and coriander that is being used in salads. Lemon, Lettuce leaf and sweet Genovese basil has been sown, hopefully not too late.
  On the animal front the female mallard Indian runner duck is laying a lovely duck egg blue egg every day. The sheep look like they need shearing and the chickens, well, are being chickens. We have had a campaign against the rat population in the chicken coop and have killed at least six of which three were mature adults.
  So lots done, lots still to do. It never ends. LOL!