The Start of the New Sowing Season

Today I started sowing my broad beans and peas for the new season.  I have used root trainers because I think they are great for getting a good root system before planting out.  I have planted Feltham First Peas and Aquadulce Broad Beans.  I know the later should be planted in the autumn, but after the last two years, where I've lost all my pre christmas sowings of broad beans, I've decided to leave it until now.  In 2010 and 2011 I replanted the broad beans in January and had a good crop both years.

One of the gardening magazines I subscribe to had an offer for Hostas last autumn and I ordered some, they arrived this week.  They are great, with really good root systems and ready to plant, I want to give them a head start by potting them up into small pots first.

They arrived with a leaflet giving clear instructions for what to do, so out in the greenhouse I went to get them going.  I am new to growing Hostas, over the last three years I have bought a few because the garden has a large shady border and they are a good plant for these conditions.  I have grown mine in pots, so when the early seasons flowers are over I can move the Hostas into the gaps .  Each year I bring the pots up to the side of the house for additional care in the winter, being in pots and not in the ground I think they need some extra TLC.

In my garden the slugs don't seem to bother Hostas, is this because they are in pots? Or am I just lucky! I wonder.  As it works for me I intend to continue growing them in pots, just as soon as January is over I shall put them out into a cold frame and at the end of the winter plant them into some nice new pots and find a shady spot in the garden for them.