A Tale of Two Weekends

Well last weekend it felt as though spring had come early; the sun was shining and I was out in the garden continuing my project. As you are all aware, this year, my goal is to grow as much fruit and vegetables as I possibly can. Next year, I would like to try and grow everything for myself, if I can’t grow it, I can’t have it; but that is a long way off and let’s take one step at a time.

Last weekend I managed to finish the three raised beds in the vegetable section of my garden. I also managed to complete one compost bin and started the frame for a leaf mould bin. It was a good productive weekend and I felt invigorated and excited about the coming seasons. I could not wait for this weekend to arrive, as I work all week and there is not enough light on week nights to get out in the garden.

However, much to my dismay; when I woke up this morning, a thick layer of snow was on the ground and there was thick snow falling. My excitement dissipated and worry started to set in; I am running out of time to get jobs finished. Also my Rhubarb crowns arrived yesterday and they need to go into the ground!!!!!!

Oh well, I suppose there is nothing I can do. I do have an outhouse, so I may go and do some more woodwork today out of the cold, trying to get as much done as possible to make my life easier. I also have some more seed planning to complete; so it could be a day by the fire with a cuppa and a pencil and paper; we will see.

Anyway before I go I will leave you with a few pretty pictures. Snow is very picturesque but it is a pain in the backside!!!

Backbreaking Work, But Taking Shape

I have not posted for a while as if truth be told; there has not been much to report. January was cold wet and snowy of course. The poor weather prevented me from carrying out any more work in the garden.

Last weekend my seed potatoes arrived and have been chitting on the bedroom windowsill for the last week; shoots have already started to appear. It is amazing how a simple thing such as chitting potatoes can bring a smile to your face; it also brings a sense of anticipation. My lean-to greenhouse has also arrived; it is not very big, but it should be adequate for this season to grow a couple of tomatoes plants and maybe a cucumber plant. I am just waiting for my onion sets and garlic’s to arrive and my fruit trees; but they will not arrive until the end of February.

So this weekend, was the first weekend were the weather was decent enough to brave the garden; I say decent as it was still very cold.

Now in my last post the back raised beds were almost ready; I was going to cover with cardboard and a thin layer of compost and then place the raised wooden beds on top. However, I decided against this as the ground was very uneven and there was a lot of perennial weeds around with big roots. Therefore on Saturday I donned my boots and took my spade and fork in hand and went in for the kill. I dug the whole border over; the amount of roots I removed was astonishing. I knew I would never manage to remove them all, but I did the best I could. Digging is certainly a backbreaker and the part of gardening I hate the most, but it had to be done. Then I covered the area with cardboard and then placed a thin layer of compost (5cm) over the top. I spread the final section with compost as the final light of the day disappeared. There is something relaxing and even therapeutic about brushing compost over an area of ground with your hands, making it even, spreading it out. Here are a few pictures from begining to end!!

Sunday was colder than Saturday and there was a strong wind blowing across the garden, but by this time I had seen how far I had come and I had the bit between my teeth. I spend a couple of hours building the first raised wooden bed and putting it into place; I also set-up the first path next to the bed. As I placed the last concrete slab onto the ground the rain started to fall and it was time to call it a day and the end of a good productive weekend. Before I hung up my tools, I surveyed the land, a smile beaming across my face. Not bad for a beginner I thought!!!!