When will i know.....

do you mean outside or in a greenhouse, if its outside then not until all danger of frost has passed and even then harden them off for a week or two before hand. In a greenhouse do whatever need to be done and if its a cold greenhouse cover them up at night if cold is forecast, in either case if the cold doesn't kill them it will severly set them back

My grandad used to say "If you drop your trousers and place your bum on the soil and its not cold, then its time to plant".

This probably dosent help you much. Once the rish of frost has pased unless you cover them with a bit of fleece at night.

My peas went in their growing position over the weekend. Carrots were sown several weeks ago.

Lol Treesandthings, that made me laugh, certainly won't be trying that on allotment,lol, probably get carted away by the men in white coats.

That made me laugh as well Treesandthings, fetched back memories aswell as my dad always said that.

wow lol

oh i wish i had an allotment, i have this picture in my head of all allotment owners dropping and testing the soil temp hehehehehehe :-)

thanks for some great advice :-)