The winter was unusual - there was only a thin layer of snow, but long periods of freezing cold temperatures. Not much snow means less insulation for the soil - for example the temperature in my cellar fell below freezing, so it remains to be seen if any of the potatoes are good enough to sow. I planted most of my garlic already in the autumn, and have been wondering if they survived in the soil. Well, now it looks like at least some of the garlic is sprouting!