sort of Spring

Variable weather but its sort of Spring now and progress on the tomato capsicum and aubergine department is hopeful although late enough to be frustrating at times. I am on to my third round with tomato seeds doing what I did last year but not getting more than fast growing spindly plants when they do sprout at all.
I don't know if it is a valid observation (on top of all previous ones lol) that those from free packets are not so hot on germination or producing sustainable healthy plants if they do pop up. Gardeners delight and this year Arctic plenty both being culprits.
Still using mostly soil blocks for seed raising and the large square ones work best for me. The really mini ones need so much attention and immediate potting on that I am not doing anymore at present.
Pepper plants a bit more hopeful as some of first round from Feb still going and more coming up by the day. I will probably have too many if all survive but seems over producing may be necessary to begin.
Outside I have most potatoes in the soil that was prepared sometime ago and that made it easy to slip them in with a spade after a brief forking over of the soil. My neighbouring allotmenteer remarked self righteuosly it was worth doing properly as they dug a trench and added manure etc. Can't see the difference really but maybe I will be reminded later on of my folly.
Virtually no germination of a mass of marigolds I was planning to have to deter bugs as the season progresses so may have to resow now warmer. They were sown in GH in trays and admittedly it has been as low as 0 in there at times even recently.
Lettuce in GH looking great and hearting up (Little Gem). A few rocket in a 6 inch pot makes the odd salad but really need a window box - just can't keep up with all needs doing at times.
Quite a few brassicas outside thriving. After a week or so the half bottles have been lifted off and despite snow hail and frost look ok. Some nibbling by slugs but the use off crushed eggshell and the first dose of Nemaslug seems to deter most.
My sole remaining rhubarb sprouted forth so tried putting a pot over a few weeks ago and some lovely forcings picked yesterday for tonight's dessert.
Sunflower seeds popping up all over so I am moving them to where I want to have a patch when about 3" high. They are good to attract bees and for picking flowers as well as a wind break / shade in Summer.