I may give up on the Village Garden Club. I went to learn more about gardening, but it feels as if one is expected to know a certain amount before joining. I asked a question about rhubarb in the autumn, and the answer was quite confusing. I am happy to report that I ignored the advice given, and my rhubarb is thriving. And had I left the rhubarb in situ, it would now be under the concrete base of the new oil tank. Last month I asked when I should plant out my chitted potatoes "Oh you will just know" I was told before the meeting [my question never even got read out] I was a little miffed - I didn't know, that was why I was asking!
So when Bernie came along to our craft group yesterday, [and I know he is a great gardener] I said "Bernie, I have potatoes chitting on my windowsill - when can I plant them out?" he immediately replied "How's your bum?"
"Um, fine, but why are you asking?" Bernie explained that when you can put your bare bum on the earth and it doesn't feel cold, then it's ok to plant out your spuds.
Other people present said yes, they had heard this piece of folk wisdom. The German lady said she learned it when she came to Norfolk, and was told it was a Norfolk saying, and some said Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh have quoted this too.
After lunch I went into the back garden and tried The Bare Bum Test - very discreetly! So now my potatoes are all planted. I've also put in some radish and lettuce seeds, as advised by Huw Richards. This year, I am moving everything along 3 sections, so I get proper crop rotation, and I'm not growing things in the same row, year on year.
The Egyptian walking onions are looking healthy [no sign of bulbils on the top yet] I have daffs, narcissus and tulips in flower too.
Looking forward to more veg from the raised bed this year, and perhaps more flowers in the front border too.