We are in the very enviable position of having completely weeded our plot. (my ironing pile has reached epic proportions but you can’t have everything) This gives hubby and I a very warm glow and we are just hoeing, sowing seeds, watering seeds and allowing our imaginations to run wild as we envisage our bumper crops. Its always a lovely time of year Before the weather or pests conspire against you and all your work.

This weekend I potted on our tomatoes, seven varieties this year to try.

These are dwarf french marigolds. I grew a few last year to keep away the white fly in the greenhouse, they did an excellent job as they emit pyrethrum a natural insecticide. We didn’t have any white fly in our greenhouse at all. So, I thought, as I watched the white fly descend in huge clouds onto our brassicas, I wonder if that would work outside. I intend to grow them on in pots, so that they are movable. I feel this might be important around the brassicas as the marigolds can attract slugs! And if they do, then I will have to make a decision as to what to do before the slugs munch through my cabbages. Perhaps beer baits around the marigolds might be the answer.