I picked up the first lot of wood for the raised beds on the allotment on Thursday morning and headed up to get started. Ian who owns the land very kindly carried it all in his Landrover (Defender 110 Hardtop) from the carpark up to our allotment. I met our neighbours over the back, I arrived as they were heading off - I should have known better than to stay. However, stay I did, in the wind, the rain and then the snow. This at least gave me an idea of what the plants will be up against, a windbrake of some sort is going to be a must.
The ground is clay, but as it had been so dry recently it was walkable on, I was knee deep in it in November so I am a bit cautious when it is wet. I got the central path laid out and started on the first bed. It took me three hours and I had little to show for it. Once I get the photos downloaded onto the main computer I will add a page on the allotment. I got back to the house tired, muddy but happy to have started.
The second lot of wood, and sleepers, were ready on Friday, the plan was to pick them up on Saturday. Saturday dawned with snow! However, my husband and daughter braved the elements to collect it all while my son and I helped out at a Fairtrade Coffee morning - it being Fairtrade fortnight.
Sunday my husband and I headed up to the allotment and in three more hours got the entry gate repositioned, a further two beds in place and everything well screwed down. We came back having run out of time and weedblock.
Monday we had to head up to Perth and Kinross, on the way back we made several stops to look at sheds. 6 x 4, 7 x 5 , 8 x 6, long and thin, narrow and wide. We stood in them, took wheel barrows into them and decided the allotment probably needs a 7 x 5 or 8 x 6 shed. I also picked up two rosemary plants, mine died over the winter, and a lemon balm which I thought was indestrucable, but also died.
Tuesday was rotten, heavy rain all day, interspersed with sleet so no allotment or gardening outside. I did split a further 3 bulk bags for weedblock for the allotment paths and asked the local bike shop for some waste cardboard packaging for the allotment beds.
Along side this I have planted leeks, peas and chilli peppers. The brussel sprouts are developing their first true leaves, all the tomatoes have sprouted, as have the sweet peas. I am also back growing sprouting seeds. There is a time from mid November to end of February when they won't grow, so it is nice to have them to add to sandwiches and stir frys again.
Despite the weather it does feel like spring is coming.
The ground is clay, but as it had been so dry recently it was walkable on, I was knee deep in it in November so I am a bit cautious when it is wet. I got the central path laid out and started on the first bed. It took me three hours and I had little to show for it. Once I get the photos downloaded onto the main computer I will add a page on the allotment. I got back to the house tired, muddy but happy to have started.
The second lot of wood, and sleepers, were ready on Friday, the plan was to pick them up on Saturday. Saturday dawned with snow! However, my husband and daughter braved the elements to collect it all while my son and I helped out at a Fairtrade Coffee morning - it being Fairtrade fortnight.
Sunday my husband and I headed up to the allotment and in three more hours got the entry gate repositioned, a further two beds in place and everything well screwed down. We came back having run out of time and weedblock.
Monday we had to head up to Perth and Kinross, on the way back we made several stops to look at sheds. 6 x 4, 7 x 5 , 8 x 6, long and thin, narrow and wide. We stood in them, took wheel barrows into them and decided the allotment probably needs a 7 x 5 or 8 x 6 shed. I also picked up two rosemary plants, mine died over the winter, and a lemon balm which I thought was indestrucable, but also died.
Tuesday was rotten, heavy rain all day, interspersed with sleet so no allotment or gardening outside. I did split a further 3 bulk bags for weedblock for the allotment paths and asked the local bike shop for some waste cardboard packaging for the allotment beds.
Along side this I have planted leeks, peas and chilli peppers. The brussel sprouts are developing their first true leaves, all the tomatoes have sprouted, as have the sweet peas. I am also back growing sprouting seeds. There is a time from mid November to end of February when they won't grow, so it is nice to have them to add to sandwiches and stir frys again.
Despite the weather it does feel like spring is coming.
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