Ask Gerry

What to plant beside little gem lettuce in containers

are there any vegetable combinations that should not be planted near or beside each other? i was going to plant say a head of cabbage at the end of each drill of potatoes to maximise the space i have, rather than a patch of cabbage heads. my space is limited so i am looking at what combinations i could do.

I sowed Sprouting Broccoli(Early Purple) indoors earlier in the year and put the seedlings out in the ground in a seedbed.They are now getting seriously big and will very soon be too big to transplant. The seed packet was talking about July or August for permanent positions.I don't think I can wait very much longer.Can I move them to permanent positions now?

I want to plant cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, turnip, onions, mangetout and lettuce in the one raised bed, in what order should i plant them, eg cabbage at back.Your advice would be appreciated.

I have a well-established artichoke (globe) bed which I am in the process of tidying up. They need splitting and thinning which I have never done before. Is it OK to spilt them at this time of year and what is the best and easiest way to do this? Sharp spade or something more subtle?

Is there a recommended size for raised beds in a vegetable area. The area available is 17ft wide x 54ft long. Neutral soil. I would like to set potatoes (any suggestions?), cabbage, carrots, turnips, parsnips, lettuce, chives, spring onions, herbs etc.