Afternoon all, the sun is shining but I do wish the weather would start to warm up now, my window sills are packed to the brim and I still have lots to do.
My current list of jobs will have to probably wait a week whilst I concentrate on a 26 page uni assignment, but here it is;
1. Finish tidying up around the blackberry bush
2. Manure the finally finished squash and pumpkin bed
3. Plant out my broad beans and some more strawberries
4. Sow a row of leeks
5. Transform the top of the plot by the shed into a woodchip seating area
This list will keep expanding next month with lots more to sow such as pumpkins, squashes and kale. Also, will need to woodchip the main path and keep collecting pallets to make more borders and to line the shed.
I would love to paint the shed next month too, I have had the paint for a while, just need the warmer weather and consistently dry days.
Yesterday, with the help from my parents, brother and 1 year old nephew we bought chaos, fun and laughter to my normally very quiet site, but we got lots done. As the old saying goes, many hands make light work, especially having a dad and brother who are carpenters! So when I said about the path border they sprung straight into action and came up with a better idea than I originally had planned involving using the pallets which I saved for another job.
By using certain parts of the pallets I now have a border, but also a border that I can plant up with beautiful herbs, flowers, salad leaves and radishes.
After nearly 6 months of predominately single-handed digging, we finished the final bit of digging of the beds on the right hand side! You don’t know how good it feels to finally have a break from double digging and pulling out ridiculously long nettle and cough grass weeds.
Mid way through digging we all stopped and I put on the kettle so we could have a cup of tea or Bovril accompanied by a delicious sugary jam doughnut. I haven’t had a doughnut for a very long time so I relished every bite.
Now the digging was completed it meant that I could clear the weed membrane and use a section to cover the mound I have created from all the weed riddled soil.
The final job left was to start shifting the trimmed grass that has been covered up since November. Mid way through I lifted up a big pile and underneath was a hedgehog very well camouflaged amongst the straw. Some how he must of managed to get under the weed membrane and snuggled himself up for the winter.
I really am surprised he was still alive as I have climbed on top of the pile numerous times over the last few weeks without realising he was there, he must have cushioned himself up very well. I covered him back over and the job will have to wait to be finished until Mr Hedgehog has moved on.
All the jobs done and it was nearly 3pm so about time I packed up and headed off to get some lunch.
Hope you have all managed to get some time out in the garden, at your allotment or even just outdoors in the fresh air.
Bye for now x
Nice to have family and other visitors around now and then. They are always so impressed with progress.
Definitely great to have company and help sometimes! The first thing my dad said was that I had loads since last time which is good to hear 😊
Love the pallet borders-what a clever idea! 😀
Thank you, it’s brilliant isn’t, it even though it does take up more of the actual beds but will be worth it 😀
That’s short list which I’m sure will get longer. I don’t blame you for availing yourself of some extra help, which I’m sure was most welcome. Lucky you having a hedgehog, it’s been years since I last saw one. Whilst it’s around you won’t have a slug problem.
I took a look round my plot this morning but didn’t do much, or stop long, as it was rather chilly. xx
Oh yes, the list will get longer, that’s only for the next couple of weeks!! Got another hour in this afternoon so got a bit more done 😊
I certainly dislike slugs so mr hedgehog can stay for a bit longer!
It has been a chilly day so don’t blame you, have a great week
awesome update thank you for sharing have a blessed day
Thank you Linda, have a great day too and week ahead
Awesome that you got the jobs done!
Yeah… Can’t wait for warmer weather to get some of my stuff in the ground too… Also… Shorts weather. Just saying’!
That path edge is really cool – what an awesome idea to use the pallets in that way so you can plant in the pockets. Your plot is looking great considering what you started with! Look forward to watching it progress.
It’s looking really great Annabelle 🙂 it looks like it as all coming together for you now.
I’m really struggling with a huge amount of couch grass and bind weed and have to confess, despite my ambitions of being organic I did reach for the weedkiller as the digging just wasn’t doing it. But once I get on top of it I’ll be back to organic again.. .
Thank you very much Jack! Yes, it’s slowly finally coming together, just need the sunshine to stay out more now.
It certainly is the devil so I don’t blame you, a lot of people use weed killer, I’m just stubborn. Good luck in your battle! 😊
Thanks for not shouting at me! 😀 lol I do feel bad and hope to get rid of enough of the bind weed to make the plot usable – I only resorted to it after months of digging out by hand. I admire your stubborness with it. There are some things I am 100% against, like no peat and no pesticides. And I’m working toward no weedkillers at all soon. I don’t use any in my garden at home. Good luck to you too!
Haha, well I’m not very impressed but will let it slide. I’m just naturally stubborn, so wasn’t going to do any other way but digging.
As I have wrote before in a previous post, its about doing it your right way and making sure its fun but also realistic for you to achieve what you want in your own timescales. I’m sure you will work out a balance that you are happy with and you can say ‘I told you so’ when I’m moaning about weeds etc. 🙂
Great to get some help, and your plot is looking good. Love the path edge.
Now you have done the hard yards you can get on with your planting.
Thank you very much, help is certainly needed and appreciated sometimes.
I can’t wait to get planting now and watch everything grow.