Sow early crops of peas and broad beans, if this was not done last month. In the north, except on the west coast, do not sow broad beans and early peas until March unless they can be covered with cloches.
Sprout potatoes. If you wish to grow early potatoes, buy the tubers as soon as possible, allowing 7 lb. for each 50 ft. length of row. Arrange the tubers in one layer in shallow boxes, with the eyes (embryo shoots) uppermost. Put these in a light frost-proof shed or room to encourage the tubers to sprout.
UNDER GLASS
Carrots such as 'Webbs' 'Early Nantes' or 'Early Market', sown this month in light, fertile soil in a cold frame, should be ready in June. Keep the lights on for a week or two to warm the soil, then sprinkle the seed thinly over the surface and rake it in lightly. Keep the frame closed until the seed has germinated.
LESS COMMON VEGETABLES
Plant shallots if this was not done last month. Draw a little soil over the sets to anchor them, otherwise birds may pull them up.
Buy asparagus plants. Order asparagus plants during the first half of the month if you wish to grow this long-lasting, comparatively trouble free crop. Reserve a site measuring 30 ft. long and 6 ft. wide, the most practical size for easy management, on land manured last autumn. You will need 70 plants for a plot this size.
  If weather permits dig the site in preparation for planting out asparagus during next month.