We want to put up polytunnels in the growing area so we've applied to the council to set up a total of three. Due to the timing of the growing season we need to put the first polytunnel up as soon as possible i.e. before we hear if our planning application has been successful. The second and third polytunnels will be bought and erected in subsequent years. We're hoping the Parish and County Council will understand our reasons for going ahead with construction, if we end up having to remove the structure then so be it.
We also need a shed to house tools and use as a dry area for packing and working. This is included in the planning application and we don't plan to start building this until Spring 2013. I like the idea of getting in on some green woodwork action. If all goes to plan (for those of you who know me and expect the 'odd' present from time to time) be prepared for some very amateur wooden gifts. I apologise in advance.
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Monday 28 May 2012
Shonky... Wonky
Stock fencing now surrounds the growing area and woodland. Although the photos don't really reflect it, the addition of fencing makes quite a big change to the feel of the land. We just need to get the grass cut and then sheep can return to the field.
We've also had to ring fence the Royal Oak as this sits on its own in the main part of the field. We used only the finest old fence posts and stock fencing 'Wombled' from the hedgerow, old bits and pieces that had been discarded by the guardians of the land before us. I'm sure HRH would be very pleased with our resourcefulness, although she might be a bit upset that the neither the Oak or the posts are straight.
We've also had to ring fence the Royal Oak as this sits on its own in the main part of the field. We used only the finest old fence posts and stock fencing 'Wombled' from the hedgerow, old bits and pieces that had been discarded by the guardians of the land before us. I'm sure HRH would be very pleased with our resourcefulness, although she might be a bit upset that the neither the Oak or the posts are straight.
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| Wonky Royal Oak |
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| Fencing looking across the top of the field back towards Parlour Barn |
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| Fencing looking down the field |
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| The sweep across to the bottom gate |
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| Looking back up the field to the growing area |
Saturday 26 May 2012
H₂O NO!!
Is it déjà vu? We really didn't fully think through the consequences of putting the little plants in little holes... so now our newly born plants rely on us to keep them alive with a regular feed of water.
Our first response to the problem was to fill a bin with water and take it to the field in the tractor then use a hose and a 12v pump to water the new plantings. It just so happens that our friend Sprogsy a local sheep farmer is putting stock fencing up today and at the same time he's going to put in a temporary water supply to the growing area and a water trough down in the field for the sheep. It's more a stroke of luck than foresight and planning that everything is coming together at the right time. The prospect of getting sheep back in on the land (think lawnmowers) is extremely exciting and then having water on hand next to the growing beds is obviously a much required bonus.
So linking in with the déjà vu... we're having a baby at the end of August. Now some might find it funny, but Sal is cross, so please don't laugh (after all it is nothing to be ashamed of). We have long term hay fever sufferer who is six months pregnant. We also have a field of long grass, and a steady wind blowing the length of it. Think sneezing fits, think of a cross Sally with crossed legs. Who knows perhaps its natures way of getting us ready for wet nappies and extra laundry? If you come to visit and you see her sneezing with crossed legs whatever you do do not dare to snigger, titter, smirk or laugh. "IT IS JUST NOT FUNNY" "OK?"
Our first response to the problem was to fill a bin with water and take it to the field in the tractor then use a hose and a 12v pump to water the new plantings. It just so happens that our friend Sprogsy a local sheep farmer is putting stock fencing up today and at the same time he's going to put in a temporary water supply to the growing area and a water trough down in the field for the sheep. It's more a stroke of luck than foresight and planning that everything is coming together at the right time. The prospect of getting sheep back in on the land (think lawnmowers) is extremely exciting and then having water on hand next to the growing beds is obviously a much required bonus.
So linking in with the déjà vu... we're having a baby at the end of August. Now some might find it funny, but Sal is cross, so please don't laugh (after all it is nothing to be ashamed of). We have long term hay fever sufferer who is six months pregnant. We also have a field of long grass, and a steady wind blowing the length of it. Think sneezing fits, think of a cross Sally with crossed legs. Who knows perhaps its natures way of getting us ready for wet nappies and extra laundry? If you come to visit and you see her sneezing with crossed legs whatever you do do not dare to snigger, titter, smirk or laugh. "IT IS JUST NOT FUNNY" "OK?"
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| The new growing area with rabbit fencing. |
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Rabbit Fencing
So cast your mind back to my post on the 'Cropping Plan' and I can confirm that we've created a veggie patch in our field (rather than the garden) loosely following the family size veggie cropping plan from Joy Larkcom's book 'Grow Your Own Vegetables'.
A tractor load of eight and a half tons of compost has been delivered and spread across the beds then rotovated. There's an area set aside for a polytunnel, aside from that there are four 15m x 1m beds for veggies and another four beds for salad. Our organic seed order has been received and many seeds sown so we have plants in the greenhouse ready to be transplanted to the main beds over the next few days. Before the plants are moved we thought it a good idea to knock up some protection from rabbits. I just hope the deer don't get any funny ideas either.
A tractor load of eight and a half tons of compost has been delivered and spread across the beds then rotovated. There's an area set aside for a polytunnel, aside from that there are four 15m x 1m beds for veggies and another four beds for salad. Our organic seed order has been received and many seeds sown so we have plants in the greenhouse ready to be transplanted to the main beds over the next few days. Before the plants are moved we thought it a good idea to knock up some protection from rabbits. I just hope the deer don't get any funny ideas either.
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