Shed and raised bed

Wasnt sure we’d get to the allotment this weekend as the weather started out so bad on Sat, but the sun was shining on Sun morning and we were ready to go.

We had put the felt on the roof of the new shed the other week and it was still standing so that was a big bonus. Paul has demolished his garage so we used the roof beams to create a raised bed to go near the new ‘patio’ that we had put down near the shed, looks a bit crooked from a distance but it will do the job.

We also pulled back some of the black plastic that has been covering a large part of the plot for some time, we were greeted by a carpet of mares tail that has started to sprout up. Got some advise from the allotmenteers next door which was that we were going to have to dig it all up bit by bit. A bit demorilising but good to know that the others had been through the same and with a bit of hard work we’d at least knock it back enough to get planting on the plot. We had a good bash at it and managed to clear a couple of sq metres between us, it will be a case of a little at a time I think.

everything that we have planted is coming on well, garlic especially. No sign of any leeks, carrots or parsnips poking through yet but I think it’s still early. The corn and runer beans I’ve got going in the greenhouse are coming on great.

Anna has also put a small pond in to attract some friendly frogs to the plot with some nice water plants in to keep it clean.

New Shed

The new shed is finally (just about) put up. I was waiting for a gap in the weather to get it done so I chose today and got soaked through. Thanks to Rodders for the help. We were able to transfer all of the parts down to the allotment from my yard where it had been stored in a couple of runs borrowing a B&Q trolley on the way. The shed went up pretty fast with only a few adjustments needed to straighten it up. Just need to add a couple of corner pieces on as well as the roof felt and the task will be complete.

Demolition Job

Yesterday saw the demolition of the old shed that was on the site when we took over. It was in a very sorry state to say the least and had on at least one occasion been home or drinking den to a local tramp. Not suprisingly it came down very easily with only a few choice blows from our hammers and we now have a nice space cleared for the new shed which will be rented from the Swinton Association at a very reasonable rate. The next task is to pour a concrete base or lay some slabs to stop the new structure sinking and rotting like the old one did. We will do this as soon as we get a good spell of weather.

Vegetable wise, we are now well planned for the coming months and know what will be going where. Once more weather permitting we will get digging and start to plant.

Masses done

Had a really productive day on Sat after a few weeks of not doing much due to the weather.

Paul has borrowed his dads van so we were able to do loads of rubbish clearing in a short space of time. Next we moved on to roofing the shed and moving the guttering and waterbutt so we should now start collecting water at a faster pace.

We used some corrugated plastic to construct a couple of tunnels and planted a couple more rows of mixed radish. The first crop of radish were also harvested, not at their biggest but tasting really sweet and spicey.

And then.. the main event… ROTORVATING!

Paul had borrowed the rotorvator and finally we had the chance to put it through its paces. Much harder than we had anticipated, but once we had the knack of it we were soon hacking through the soil. One bed now completed for the onions and garlic, we will try to get the rest done soon and hope the frost breaks it down some more over winter. Hopefully ill have a rotorvating video to put on soon, keep an eye out.