I always grow mine up canes or a framework, tying them in with string. I hate pea/bean netting. I usually mix them in with peas and beans, if only to attract bees and other insects.

Jason - can you help?

We've grown Balconi and they're not the pearl type.

Lots of love from us JB.

When do you want to go for lunch?

L&Mxx

Ours is a month early too. Already had our first taste of 20 spears. Set a new third bed last month of crowns from the Isle of White.

Love and hugs Peter.

They can get blown away but will do well if properly seated, or used in tunnels/greenhouses as additional warm spaces.

Well - mine/ours are making good progress in the tunnels. I have a fortnight off now so am going to spend some serious time bringing on the usual tomato stock to compare with the grafted ones.

I'll post an update in a week or so.

Don't forget Lidl - they always have bargain seeds at this time of the year but they're better than ever this time, allowing for the fact they are European vegetables/flowers - no Broad Beans or Parsnips!

It's also known as bread and butter pickle (don't know why) and it keeps really well.

Well, we've ordered the essentials and we're getting ready for our experiment! I think we're going for 6 different types, but I'm easily tempted, so we might have a few more.

I'll keep you posted!

If you investigate further, I think you'll find you need to eat them by the barrow load! One of the best forms of eating cooked toms is ketchup.

They also make a great veg baked, then mashed with cream cheese, black pepper and nutmeg.

We had the best onions and garlic ever this year - limited white rot and really good bulbs. Got rid of the few dodgy ones. No white rot or fungus - just dried out bulbs. Very dissapointing.

Will try again this year. Onion seed already sown. All ideas welcome!

In case you don't know, they have open days on the farm, as well as special events. Well worth a visit.