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Started compililng my seed orders today - so far we have Jerusalem Artichokes, Witkiem Manita Broad Beans, French Beans Blue Lake, Runner Bean Enorma, Beetrot Moneta (monogerm), Early PSB, Cabbage - Minicole, Hispi, Tundra, Primavoy, Red Drumhead, Calabrese Marathon, Kale - Darkbor and Redbor, Swiss Chard, Leek Oarsman & Tornado, Squash - Butternut Hunter, Onions - Sturon & Red Baron, Parsnip Gladiator, Pea Kelvedon Wonder, Shallot Red Sun, Swede Gowrier and Turnip - Purple Top Milan.
This is in addition to seed I still have stored from last season.
I am also sorting out what tatties to grow - prob go with Lady Christl, Edzell Blue, Charlotte (and Rooster if I can get)
Total cost so far - approx £400 - about same as last year so given that I still have enough of certain seeds to do me this season - most notably Spring Onion, courgette, cucumber and various lettuce, and that I have added JA's, shallots, red onions and parsnips to my cropping, I think I'm doing not too bad.
If you have any comments on varieties, please feel free - always looking for friendly tips, hints and advice, and varietal choice is very very difficult.
Later...........
Neighbour Ted at the Hill did them instead of runners, but it gave him the option to pick and use fresh like runners, pick and use the beans inside fresh, or to leave them on the plants to dry the beans for winter use.
This year my runner and French beans were outside and I got 20kg Runners from plants that should have given 2000 kg and absolutely no french beans at all - I know the weather was crap this year and next year may be different but all my beans are going in my tunnel this year - if I have room I may grow borlotti but not sure yet. It's a hard decision as I have to grow to maximise profit, and ensure sufficient supply for my customers as opposed to growing for pleasure / my family. I have thought about borlotti beans but they are on hold at the mo. Thanks for taking the time to add your thoughts - will keep you posted on future decisions too.