Where once was all bracken there are now nearly four long vegetable beds. It was a hard slog but great to be able to see some results from my labours. I may plant fruit bushes there next year if I can get another four rows or more reclaimed. Fairly mad, and I ‘ve had to slow down because my knees were objecting, but it is working and no pesticides have been used. Most days I break some of the young bracken as it comes through and stamp down and break some of the bigger stuff to slowly enlarge the area. Some old carpet and corrugated iron is helping weaken it a bit.
The potatoes are coming along well – I planted eight varieties and seven look as if they’re thriving. The eighth just has a couple which have taken but hopefully that will be enough to check the taste. Not long after I planted them there was an awful lot of rain and I was trying to sort the drainage to stop them all being washed away. If these were the only casualties it worked pretty well.
Peas – some of the packet seeds germinated and are slowly growing. My saved seed from last year is all growing. My first time using saved seed (can’t remember the variety) so I’m most chuffed.
Broad beans – not long planted out but, apart from one, still alive.
Runner beans – the first few were planted in the garden but eaten by slugs despite the sheep wool (I think the slugs were already in the pot so within the barrier). The next few have gone up on the croft and are still alive.
Radishes – the thinnings were tasty and the others are growing. Hopefully the parsnips will come up behind them.
Carrots – didn’t germinate – probably too cold and wet when sown.
Beetroot – ditto, although a couple of tiny shoots just might be them, I’ll wait and see.
Cauliflower – only four seedlings and one’s looking sad. Need to try more seriously next time. I was concentrating on the tomatoes which are doing well so far and taking over the conservatory.
There is a slightly raised bit just before the first row. It curves round and was obviously some kind of dividing line in the past. I hope to plant hedging or trees there in time, as well as along either side of the various paths that are developing.
I’ve just joined the Scottish Crofting Federation and am in the process of signing up to be a Wwoof Host. That’s world wide ooportunities on organic farms, rather than the noise occasionally made by my assistant pictured below who is more often to be found dozing as I work. Although both dogs do enjoy a good exploration round about. Anyone wanting to come and either explore or give some more practical help would be very welcome.
Mo Dhachaidh 