Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 101 Entries. Sunday, January 1 View Page Large Onions are well on this season, 9 leaves in 9 inch pots under T5 lights during daylight hours.   Sunday, January 1 View Page Leek line up, two Betty Black pot leaks for the heavy classes, Pendal long & Cumbria pot for exhibition. Wishing everyone a happy New Year with PB's later in the season.   Monday, January 2 View Page Traditional Bank Holiday hunt meet in the local town market place, fortunate with bright sunny cold weather.   Saturday, January 21 View Page Planted out first 5 Onions into my heated/lighted tunnel, they were well ready but had been waiting until recent hard frosts had eased.   Saturday, January 21 View Page Root system of this Onion plant which is growing in 'Canna' Coco medium, never seen such white roots, hope it means a larger bulb later.   Saturday, January 21 View Page Potted on the remaining 10 plants into 11inch pots, half in JIno2 and half in 'Canna' Coco. Difficult to handle such large pots so will have to wait until they are full of root before planting out, perhaps in 6weeks.   Friday, January 27 View Page Changing the soil in my large greenhouse border, old stale soil removed one spit deep, added well rotted manure & topped with ex onion/leek compost. Covered over until ready for Tomato plants late spring.   Wednesday, February 1 View Page Large Onion in my heated tunnel under lights, seams to have established well after planting from a 9inch pot. Now have five planted in this tunnel and three in the little greenhouse.   Wednesday, February 1 View Page Still have a few in 11inch pots in the greenhouse growing cabinet. Difficult to manage when this large and short of headroom under the lights.   Wednesday, February 1 View Page Leeks are in my other growing cabinet under T5 lights also, long/pot/intermediate all have been slow during the cold grey January weather.   Tuesday, February 21 View Page Finally finished planting out my top tunnel with heavy Onions, lighting set up and on most days as the weather grey and dark. Two large pots are stood on wheels so that I can move them out the tunnel in the summer if necessary.   Tuesday, February 21 View Page Most Onion plants are in 130 litre pots but now have two in 50 litre as a trial. Half are filled with John Inness no2 soil mix and the others in 'Canna' Coir, not grown onions in this before.   Tuesday, February 21 View Page Giant Carrots and Parsnips have finally germinated, perhaps started too early as the weather is grey and dark. Fitted a small T5 light over to help during the day. Have re sown one or two pipes.   Tuesday, February 21 View Page Kondor seed Potatoes set up under the barn rooflight to start chitting, the area is frost free so they can be left for a few weeks before setting in compost.   Wednesday, March 1 View Page Onion planted at Christmas in my greenhouse is looking stronger now, this one is growing in Canna Coir compost but it suffered from tipping early on, have been watering more with a weaker feed.   Wednesday, March 1 View Page My top Onion tunnel is all planted up now including two in 50litre pots as a trial, one in Canna Coco one in John Inness no2 soil based.   Wednesday, March 1 View Page Exhibition Onions still in my cabinet, just potted largest into 7inch pots m3/JI compost.   Wednesday, March 1 View Page Pot Leeks and Long Leeks, most now in 9inch and 7inch pots. Started with insect predators today as Thrip found on several.   Monday, March 13 View Page Swede starting to fill pots with root and want moving on. Red Cabbage slow at present but ok, Beetroot ready for pricking out.   Monday, March 13 View Page Two of my best giant Onions growing side by side, the left one in 'Canna' Coco the other in soil based JI compost. Long time to go so will be interesting to see the growth.   Saturday, April 1 View Page The Coco coir compost and the soil based RH pot again a few weeks on, both growing well and little to choose between them at present. We have had a mild March and some sunny days lately.   Sunday, April 2 View Page My greenhouse Onion has grown well last month and the tipping problem seems to have been resolved by watering more.   Sunday, April 2 View Page Planted out my Exhibition Onions into an old raised bed in the large greenhouse yesterday. Will cover over with fleece if cold nights forecast. Still have to fix leaf support rails.   Sunday, April 2 View Page Giant Carrot and Parsnip foliage has really grown with the warm/sunny weather and being inside the greenhouse. Will not be able to plant outside for a few weeks.   Sunday, April 2 View Page Pot and Long Leeks almost ready for planting out but still working on their raised beds/frame protection.   Sunday, April 2 View Page Seed Onions starting to move with the warmer days, now in the large greenhouse and partly stripped down to stop any rot spreading from the decaying old skins.   Saturday, April 22 View Page Planted two Swede into my top frame, they have not liked the hot sunshine in the greenhouse so had to move them on even though cold weather forecast for next week.   Saturday, April 22 View Page Finished planting out my long and pot Leeks into the front trench, covering with fleece overnight while frosts forecast.   Saturday, April 22 View Page Potted on my red Cabbage into 9inch, still not root bound but will stand in these for 2-3 weeks will soil warms up outside.   Saturday, April 22 View Page Potatoes are growing to fast with the recent sunshine, they are tender so to cold to plant out for another few weeks.   Monday, May 1 View Page The Coco coir compost and the soil based RH pot Onions have grown well last month, however more tipping on the coco one with yellow streaks along the older leaves. The soil one has just split in 5 skins - perhaps over watering while good growing conditions.   Monday, May 1 View Page Betty Black pot Leeks have established in the tunnel, been covering with fleece at night as well as giving frost protection. Insect predators have been renewed.   Monday, May 1 View Page Just planted out the first heavy Carrots in the bottom tunnel, placed a barrel cloche around them for protection and will cover over on cold nights.   Monday, May 1 View Page Planted out the first Potatoes into my front frame from 9inch pots. Tried to thin out the tiny new tubers first.   Saturday, May 13 View Page Sharp frost last Wed. caught my giant potatoes even though covered with fleece.   Saturday, May 13 View Page Fortunately only just planted out my strongest Potatoes into a new frame to try 4 in large pots filled with reused Canna Terra peat.   Saturday, May 13 View Page Planted 3 of my giant Beetroot into the top frame, they are well ready, but have waited for warmer nights as they are prone to running to seed with any check.   Saturday, May 13 View Page Tipping/yellow leaves on my giant Onions in Canna Coco, this is the worst plant but all in Coco are now affected. Have reduced the strength of feed to see if that's the problem, however do not now expect to see any great improvement as new leaf growth is slowing.   Sunday, May 28 View Page Very hot weather for end of May, moved 2 Onion plants which are set on trolleys outside, will move them in and out as temp's, require.   Sunday, May 28 View Page First heavy Cucumbers planted in shallow trays filled with 'Canna' Coco. First true leaf just showing so very young plants, but this early planting worked well last year, and we have a very hot spell of weather now.   Thursday, June 1 View Page The two moveable Onions have been outside for a few days and only moved back in if windy, seem to be fresher for it during the current hot weather.   Thursday, June 1 View Page LOT3 Onion 22.9 circ x 16.5 high, very similar to last years, the early hot weather means that all shading and fans are employed to try and moderate the heat inside.   Thursday, June 1 View Page Swede with Beetroot in the foreground have really grown with the last few hot sunny weeks of May.   Thursday, June 1 View Page First seed heads are opening on my large Onions, plenty of insects to pollinate them.   Saturday, June 17 View Page Onion seed heads in flower but several are throwing pips this year. Not grown from pips for years but may start a few next season, good for uniformity but not necessarily size.   Saturday, June 17 View Page Prefer to save seed from large bulbs that only grow a single seed head, but most produce two or three.   Saturday, June 17 View Page Been planting out giant Tomatoes this week, only small plants but they should get away better in the ground. Very Hot 33c in the garden so they will grow quickly.   Saturday, June 17 View Page Exhibition Onions are mainly being grown in an old raised bed and are looking flat at present, good size but not happy with the shape.   Saturday, June 17 View Page Visited a friend who is growing large Onions inside, under two of the latest growlights, had not been for a few months but was pleased to see good plants. The best one had 24 green leaves and was only just bulbing. Hope to visit again in the summer.   Friday, June 30 View Page Found one of my later Onions completely rotten in the neck, had this with leeks but cannot remember an onion (smells the same) Must have collected water in the centre skins during the recent very hot weather.   Friday, June 30 View Page This was growing in 'Canna' Coir medium and the white roots are very extensive.   Friday, July 7 View Page Giant Cucumbers are growing well with the hot weather, fixed some fleece shading over the top to soften the strong sun's rays.   Friday, July 7 View Page Exhibition Onions are growing strongly, better than some of my heavies which had a far earlier start. Healthy so far in this old soil raised bed.   Friday, July 7 View Page First runner beans have reached tops of canes and are being stopped. Look far healthier than last year at this time.   Friday, July 7 View Page Heavy Carrots emerging from tops of their protective clear barrels, free of pests/diseases so far.   Friday, July 7 View Page Red Cabbage now have a 6inch solid heart, hope they are on track to grow heavier by late Sept.   Saturday, July 22 View Page Lost half my Exhibition Onions to 'white rot' these are the best of the few left, 27inches circ. just hope I can lift them before the disease strikes again.   Saturday, July 22 View Page Have set some heavy Cucumbers, this is the best in Coir, 11 inches long. Growing 6 in Coir and 2 in JI soil. Have been shading these plants and removing most side shoots and other female flowers.   Saturday, July 22 View Page Megabloom Tomato set on first truss, at least a 3 flower one, have to hope it grows on strong, keeps sound and is not too early.   Saturday, July 22 View Page First Marrows set, this is the strongest. Perhaps a week or two late but the growing conditions are good now following useful rain this week.   Saturday, July 22 View Page Long Runner beans also just setting, will thin out the trusses in a week or so leaving perhaps 2 or 3 on each.   Saturday, July 22 View Page Potato foliage has improved following the rain, been watering via a drip hose but not the same. Have sprayed twice against blight a so far clear.   Saturday, July 22 View Page My friend Joe broke his own longest Radish world record this week, around 20 feet. so will submit his claim in the next month or so.   Monday, July 31 View Page Giant Cucumbers growing in Canna 'Coco' have all set at least one and are growing fast, even though the weather has been dull and cool. Removed the middle plant today, not happy with it.   Monday, July 31 View Page Believe this removed plant suffering from Mosaic virus, no cure and could be spread to other plants. May have been infected by aphids during the hot early July period.   Monday, July 31 View Page Giant Tomatoes have not set fully, removed these ones which brown sunken area underneath. Later ones not so affected but not such large megablooms either.   Monday, July 31 View Page Heavy Parsnips in the netted tunnel have weak pale foliage, not looking to good for large roots under the surface.   Monday, July 31 View Page Second and third sowing giant Radish are staring to move, seem to be liking the recent cooler wet days. Not lost any running to seed so far.   Monday, July 31 View Page The two giant Onions in moveable pots have made little growth through July, the left one is in Canna Coco, the other in Soil based John Inness. Have not benefited from being able to bring them outside during hot days.   Monday, July 31 View Page This may be the best Onion growing in Canna Coco but still to early to say, 6 weeks until first heavy shows.   Tuesday, August 1 View Page Largest Onion in the new greenhouse bed.   Tuesday, August 1 View Page Largest in lot3   Tuesday, August 1 View Page lot2, all bulbs around 29 inches circumference but varying heights.   Wednesday, August 23 View Page Managed a win at my first show with these exhibition Onions, not perfect but little competition.   Wednesday, August 23 View Page This exhibition Onion is still growing, may lift it for a heavy show this weekend.   Wednesday, August 23 View Page Largest Marrow has developed a crack through one of the ribes so that's the end of it. Will cut it up and weight it later, think it is the heaviest I have grown.   Wednesday, August 23 View Page I cut this Marrow off earlier so at least I have one to show in two weeks.   Wednesday, August 23 View Page Giant Tomato's are still green and growing slowly, looks as if I may have timed them right for the late Sept. shows.   Friday, August 25 View Page With Peter's help managed to weigh the split Marrow on my bag scales - 139lb, what might have been?   Wednesday, August 30 View Page Had a good show at Bedlington, almost 16lb as grown with this perfect shaped bulb.   Wednesday, August 30 View Page Also came second in the Leek class, first time I have show one at exactly 6 inches to the sound button.   Sunday, September 3 View Page Growing a few large Onions in Canna 'Coco' they are ok but perhaps on the soft side at present. None lifted yet so cannot tell if they weigh light or heavy, will have to wait another week or two.   Sunday, September 10 View Page Giant Cucumbers are starting to turn yellow which means that growth will slow, mildew on the leaves is not helping.   Sunday, September 10 View Page Won the heaviest tomato class with this young green fruit, hope to have better ones for later shows as all still green and growing slowly.   Tuesday, September 12 View Page Also won the heaviest Marrow at Stanley show - 149lb some years since I have shown one as heavy, pleased with the shape.   Tuesday, September 12 View Page Also won the heavy Onion showing the same one from Bedlington, it had lost almost 1.5lb in a fortnight.   Monday, September 18 View Page Won the heaviest Onion at Harrogate show, not as large as one shown the previous week at Blyth (16.78lbs) but this became damaged.   Monday, September 18 View Page Also won the 3 heaviest so good result   Monday, September 18 View Page Lifted four Onions which I have grown in Canna 'Coco' medium, and watered/fed with their products. They have grown exceptionally tall and kept fresh but bulbs are soft. Will be showing these at Malvern this weekend.   Monday, September 25 View Page Successful weekend at Malvern's UK giant veg show, set a new UK record for the heaviest Tomato - 6.34lbs & Radish - 22.9lbs   Monday, September 25 View Page Won the heaviest Onion class and second with the three to my friend Joe Atherton, big difference in shape - mine were the tall ones.   Monday, September 25 View Page I only managed fourth (146lb) in the Marrow class, this is Mark Baggs winning entry 173lb+ never seen such strong entries.   Sunday, October 1 View Page Emptied my 50ltr. Onion growing pot which was filled with Canna 'coco' very good root system. Looks like this size pot or perhaps 80ltr. ideal size.   Sunday, October 1 View Page Also emptied a 50ltr. pot which grew a long Leek, not quiet so full of root.   Sunday, October 1 View Page It still had good white healthy roots and easy to clean out of this Coir.   Sunday, October 1 View Page Removed one of my Cucumbers from the Coir, roots were almost solid forming a mattress. Unfortunately it did not grow a larger fruit.   Saturday, October 14 View Page My British record Tomato is still sound even though it has been to Peterborough show, will be able to extract the seeds now.   Saturday, October 14 View Page Still have one Cucumber left in the Tunnel, showed the green one at Peterborough and just won the heaviest.   Saturday, October 14 View Page Still have good large Tomatoes left growing in the greenhouse, never had such a crop, even if to late for the shows. Have a greener one in the Tunnel which measures well over 6lb but will wait a few more days before cutting it.   Wednesday, October 18 View Page Cut and weighted the heaviest of the last Tomato's, difficult to believe that it weighed the same as my UK record one - 2.88kg. That's the 3rd 6lb+ tomato this season.   Thursday, November 23 View Page Onions have started to germinate after 8 days in my propagator which is now moved under the 24hr T5 light. Expect them to be moved out onto the bench in a few days but remain under the light for 6 weeks.