Tapsony-Hungary

over from the uk to escape the endless rain and wind, delighted to find, snow drops, primulas and even daffs in full bloom. time to start the war of the weeds.
outside was warmer than the house inside.

Sachina

The weather here for the past two days has been glorious and warm but can't start on the gardening yet as the ground's too wet ... one of the problems living at the bottom of a valley. Normally the locals only start preparing the ground in March ready to plant either at the end of the month or the beginning of April.

Not having planted any veggies for the past two years because of complications with my leg, I went through all my packets of seeds last week, to decide which were too old to use and threw a lot away so now I've got a long shopping list of seeds to buy. Maybe tomorrow, if the weather is fine, will do a big "seed shop" ... something I enjoy almost as much as buying books!

mawood47

I have given up on all veg even spuds my ground its a clay sand mix holds no moisture and if say spuds the ground just hardens up producing miss shape even root veg just can not grow the way the intended to grow the very high temputre sends beans into thermal budding forming early flowering then no produce, so a stack of seed spare from last year, so Fill up all ground with Hellianthus at least I will have colours to enjoy with a strong pot of PG Tips digger

Tapsony-Hungary

There's a way of seeing if your seed is any good, to save you throwing them away. Sprinkle a small amount onto wet paper (kitchen roll) on a saucer, cover with cling film, place in warm place, keep moist, sprouts should appear within 2 weeks. Which still leaves you time before the planting season

Count or guesstimate, how many have sprouted to give you an idea of the percentage that have sprouted, this will give you the percentage of the viability of your seeds. if half have sprouted then you have 50% viability, probably worth keeping 1 in 2 will be ok,
if only 25%,
1 in 4 then not worth keeping, or just plant in spare ground, but get new packet of seed as well.
Seeds do last longer than they say on the packet, obviously a marketing ploy to keep you spending.
good luck

Rural Hungary

Maybe a bit later as temps expected to go below zero next week and a few times during March - would check again nearer the time before putting anything tender in....

llareggub

As ever wise words from the boss lady Nothing tender goes in till April as a general rule but tend to get our onions out quite early, as ever at this time of the year I am excited about the appearance of Asparagus in 4-6 weeks time

Rural Hungary

My garden is apparently starting to bloom and this year, the bulbs have survived and are coming through.... Can't wait to see them

cathyg

We brought some crocuses with us and we planted them on the verge outside our house. They look very pretty. Unfortunately someone in the village likes them too and has dug up two bunches Still we shall take it as a compliment !!

Rural Hungary

Oh the cheeky so and so's Cathy - bet they plant them at the back of the garden as well so that you can't see them

llareggub

Well we are all prepped for planting just waiting to ensure that the frosts stay away, but the first blossom opened on one of our plum trees today. Nigh on 3 weeks earlier than it has opened in any of our 6 springs here

John Gilbert

We fly out on Friday - can't wait!

Pollypaprika

We have blossom on our almond tree but not on plum trees...like you we are prepping but are wary

fidobsa

Yes, my plum tree is in blossom, even the part that half snapped off due to the weight of fruit last year! I should really prop up the damaged bit and tape it up or something.

llareggub

There is a very slight ground frost out there today with evening temps looking fairly cold out here in the east for the next 10 days or so...

Feet up an relax then I guess, off to photographs some baby piggies for a friend this morning with no doubt lashings of pálinka!

Rural Hungary

Sun is shining here, sitting in the conservatory with a cup of tea watching the little black ducks (don't know what type they are)jump from the stream and run across the garden, looks like it's going to be a warm one.