April 24th - The plot is really taking shape now
Looks like we’re having summer early this year!
Lots of lovely sunny days, they are getting longer and warmer too. And as spring is advancing quickly, we need to get these vegetable plots sorted out so we can begin planting out our first crops, although we’re probably still 6 weeks away from that.
Even though time moves slowly and each day lasts 24 hours, the days and weeks soon slip by and nature waits for no one - this is one truth we are learning every day. As you can see on these pictures, despite the fact that we have planted the potatoes already, along with some carrots, parsnips and radishes, the second quadrant is only half dug, and the 3rd has only been just started. Some serious digging sessions are needed to get these dug, weeded and the manure dug in…
The paths and perimeter grass border is beginning to take shape. Disregarding the fact that the grass is really a collection of weeds, uneven and patchy, it is now under control and is an effective surround to our plot as it begins to take shape. We are now experiencing gratitude for Chris' wisdom and his initial step to define the borders - this is making things much simpler at this moment. It is getting obvious that a strimmer is going to be helpful going forward!
The soil is becoming quite dry already with all the sun, and this is making breaking down the soil to take our weeds progressively more difficult. Hands are starting to hurt and crumbling down the soil feels like tackling concrete at times. Each row of the patch nearest to the bonfire is taking circa 2 hours to complete: (1) being very thorough with the weed extraction (2) digging in manure (3) challenge of the soil being so hard, so early in the year. Just more visits and more hours needed!
Little did we know what was coming next...
Check out the greenhouse (not ours) in the lower plot…
