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Get your hands on some shallots while you can, says Brian Kidd.Get your hands on some shallots while you can, says Brian Kidd.
Get your hands on some shallots while you can, says Brian Kidd.

Early broad bean seeds can be sown now. Aquadulce Claudia is one of the best because it is very hardy. Avoid slug damage by sowing a single seed in each cell of an insert tray, the 24 cells to fit a standard seed tray will be best. This gives you the opportunity to plant them at a time suitable to you. Buy some shallot bulbs because good gardeners plant them on the shortest day of the year. Shallots are easier to grow than onions and they have an extra special flavour. Did you know that shallots can be cooked in the same way as onions? Did you know that the new leaves produced by shallots taste better than spring onions? Weeds in the lawn can be tackled a small area at a time. Lay a plank on the grass, kneel down and remove the weeds by hand. An old-fashioned daisy grubber is useful and a sharp knife is also handy. Do one square yard at a time. Save some rainwater for acid loving plants, such as azaleas and potted heathers.Â