It's that time of year again when everything starts down on the plot.

Daffodils, Tulips, Blossom, tadpoles and sun; that's what says spring to me. It's that time of year again when everything starts
down on the plot. I have been making the most of the light nights by going down after work. I have put my potatoes in (first earlies) some in the raised beds and some in grow bags.

I have also dug over the soil and I'm ready to start planting seeds out. I got my first harvest of Rhubarb this week. Stalks should be pulled rather than cut, to prevent rotting of the remaining stump. Pull stalks when they are between 23-30cm (9in-1ft) long, holding them at the base and pulling gently outwards. Take no more than half the total stalks at any one time.

I got down to the plot the other night and my neighbour was leaving as she had seen a rat that had ran in. I must admit I'm not a fan of rats but it got me thinking. Rats, Squirrels, and field mice will all eat their share of seeds, fuit and snails. I don't think you could get rid of them and why would I want to? At the end of the day they are part of the food chain and many an owl and fox would go hungry without them. I have been reading up and there are a few things you can do to keep them away from your stash. Rats are reputed to dislike mint so grown this where they might nest; the compost heap or alongside the shed. Mothballs are also said to deter rats and mice. You could also use traps but please use humane ones and remember you will need to take them a good few miles away before you release them. A dry warm compost heap makes a great home so turn it often and drench it with water if you fear anything is moving in.

I received my delivery of seed potatoes from JBA potato merchants this week - www.jbaseedpotatoes.co.uk
I'm planting three types this year. For my first early I went for Pentland Javelin, this variety is a showbench-quality early with a good flavour and disease resistance.