Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes

Time has a way of slipping away, doesn't it? Sorry it's been so long, but now feels like the right time to be getting back on top of the blog as the winter gloom starts to lift. However, the period where February drifts into March is also one of the most satisfying for any gardener. The cold snap is (hopefully) nearly over, and as the days slowly get longer it becomes time to get down to some serious planting.

Of course, it's great to be sowing the first rows of carrots, beetroot and lettuces outside, but my absolute favourite job has to be laying down the first tomato seeds in the heated greenhouse. I'm not just saying that because this has been the coldest winter for 30 years, but there's something about this task that says that spring is well and truly on its way.

This year, I've gone solely for heritage seeds, both for flavour and and the sense of history. It's really rewarding to know that in some small way I'm preserving plants that don't quite slot into the world of commercial agriculture. I've plumped for the Orange Banana and Rose de Berne varieties so far, but there are still a few weeks left for me to cram some more types in.

Both of these are available from The Real Seed Catalogue, which I've sung the praises of in the past. I definitely think it's worth giving them another plug - they are a not-for-profit company that stocks varieties well-suited for seed saving, so with a tiny bit of effort, you can keep up a ready supply year after year.

Have a great weekend, Edwin