The weather has continued to be very dry without any significant rain fall. In fact I have already have a lovely garden tan since mid March. Below are some of the recent developments on the plot these were taken on Saturday the 7th April just before the rain on Sunday. About time too!
I have sourced a regular supply of horse manure from a contact on free-cycle and that is starting to build up and is not yet ready for incorporating into the plot yet.
I have really enjoyed the last couple of weeks; clearing, digging through and removing debris and stones etc. Once I get started and get over the initial reluctance to put the effort in, I am usually out there until its dark.
Although progress seems slow at times I know it will be time well spent later on in the year and in years to come. It is hard work digging over with a mattock, folk and leveling the beds out and my back protests at times. However, I sleep well!
Peas, Spinach, Chard and Broccoli planted
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| herb circle constructed not completed and some herbs |
The last bed being dug over and prepared this is for salad crops and succession planting crops
Beds for runner beans with manure dug in !
What Next?
I have actually measured the dimensions as promised in my last post and I will post them up soon.
Currently planted in the plot are early and mid season potatoes, onions (Stuttgart), red onions Variety unknown yet (from Wilkinson's) shallots loose from Zoars in Neath and two varieties of garlic; Wilkinson's again. This weekend the chard, spinach, broccoli and the herb circle were planted, along with runner beans and courgettes started off in pots within the house. I have received some seeds from a friend of Lindy`s (thank you Angie) and these will be planted in the plot and if there is no room in containers.
In line with my early attempts at growing I am not spending too much on seeds and plant as I am growing in an unknown plot. I will I am sure, look to spend more as the plot gets up and running and I have developed the soil quality.
The real challenge for me now physically is for me getting the site laid out correctly to the rear of the shed. This i will describe in some detail shortly and get some photos up very soon.
As I have mentioned before I have the whole plot mapped out in my head and where plants and beds are going to be, however I really need to draft up a plan and keep a calender on my veg garden adventure.
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| A Variety of seed I am going to grow. Cheap & Cheerful |
Two types of broccoli and two of beetroot? How are they different??
ReplyDeleteAnd why do you make raised beds? So you don't have to dig, but some roots do it for you?
I'm also reluctant, when going to start some work out, but the sequence is always that one: I go out for the pleasure of watching the garden and making plans, I see some little thing to do, I start doing it and I see another... and spend the whole afternoon turning the garden upside down until dark!
And there are too many seedlings in my greenhouse, I can't keep them all!
One purple sprouting broccoli
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Hello Marco There many different varieties of beetroot and broccoli, shapes sizes flavors with different growing season etc all dependent on your requirements plot soil prevailing weather.
I am not bothering with raised beds my back can still reach the ground. The photos might make it appear raised due to the slope and due to the fact I have dug it over. I might make one for salad crops though.
The plot is higher on the left hand side as it slope to the right although I am in the process of leveling it.
the secret is to have a plan in mind ideally drawing or write it down and then work on each bit at a time starting with plot size shape, digging over and deciding what you want to grow and if your plot will allow.
Also I bet one of the garlics was the Elephant one! I got a few from Wilkinson, too, just for growing, as I can't eat them, anyway!
ReplyDeleteNo elephant garlic although I did consider it.
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ReplyDeleteThat makes my little containers look even teenier.
ReplyDeleteBut my peas have poked their heads out. And my onions and potatoes.
It's just too blummin wet to go out and plant my next batch.