Covering the polytunnel

The day we have been waiting for finally arrived today: still, fine weather and at least three people able to be in the same place at the same time. I don't think we would have managed without Ian helping, and David and I would have certainly fallen out more than once!

It took a long time and it was very hot indeed under the plastic, so minimal time under there was the order of the day. Getting the polythene (anti-fog) over the side near the fence was difficult as predicted, but we got there in the end and it may not be as tight as it could be, but I don't think (fingers crossed) it's going anywhere and the extended growing space, especially late and early in the season, is going to be a godsend.

Spring is finally here

The view from the gate


Looking over the potato bed


New shoots on the willow

Planting and the Greenfingers Club

The Greenfingers Club is High Spen Primary School's after-school club for would-be gardeners. Having the school onboard has been great, as it has brought the children closer to the food they eat and also provided a great link with the local community. The school has taken on one of the raised beds and is growing potatoes, spinach, cabbage, salads, carrots, onions and pumpkins.

Alan, one of the established allotmenteers (he's had an allotment forever!) comes along to help out on a Wednesday afternoon and he's been a real asset to the children and their teacher. I also tend to refer to him as the 'garden fairy' as I often go to get a cup of tea to work up to the next job, and then come back to find that he's been in and done it for me and disappeared again!

We've nearly got all of the soil in the second raised bed now (it takes ages as has to be sieved) and have been planting radishes, lettuce, rocket, carrots and beetroot, along with a few more herbs.