Yesterday, I got my shallots in and dug 4 large holes ready for the fruit trees to go in.
Though they are going in the bottom of the plot where I havent dug over the ground, I sieve and cleared the soil to a great extent. I made the holes around 4ft x 4ft, as this will allow me to dig the ground when I do get there, without risk to the tree roots. After diggin a spade and 1/2 deep, i forked over the bottom of each hole, add some well rotted manure and then a 4 inch layer of the sieved soil back in. A quick watering and left it overnight.

Today I went to the lottie and taken the fruit trees out of the plastic wraps, soaked their root for an hour before I started to plant them. I drove in some 4ft stakes and then carried on digging over the bottom of the plot. After an hour, it was time to plant the trees. Adding the soil and firming in, I cover each area with a barrowful of manure as a mulch. I am going to train some of the branches by fixing them with wires anchoured to the ground. This will bring the braches more horizontal with give a better crop.
I also planted out the peas the grandkids sowed( see below). One thing I have to learn is how to stretch out plastic bean netting better...lol. Pulling this way and that way, I never get it even. I suppose if I warm it in warm water before I try to unravel it, this might help, I will give it ago, next time. 2 canes and one acros the too and one line of peas done. A second line put in 2ft from the first. A bit more digging and I am near the flat ground on the plot where the green house is to be sited. I put the base rail together and moved it around to see which way will give me the best light, but also not cast too big a shadow across my neighbours plot. She seem to love her flowers and I wouldn't wish to affect her wonderful display she has. When I took the plot on last year, her little plot was quite magnificent.
I also limed the brassica bed, which I need to get on with tomorrow, I have another night where no shipping is in, so can be up the lottie another 6 hours. With the cammping stove, and a couple of packets of cuppasoup, it is quite pleasant to spend some time up there. As with today, I expect I will come home with the last of the twilight. If the weather holds, of course.
Just had an offer, 20x 3m gravel boards. well not going to turn those down. always come in handy. Wonder if I could blag a few fence posts as well..

Got away from work at 2, so went to the lottie and got the first sowings of Broadies in. Though they have been harden off over the last 2 weeks, I didnt fleece then, and last nights frost which was alot more severe than forecast has blacked the tips. I am not overly concerned because it will force out another shoot and bush the plant out. Saves me tipping (pinching the tip out) when they get to 12 inches.
I have cover them with some plastic hung over some bamboo hoops.

I took some pics of the red cabbage, Minicole, lettuces and the purple sprouting broccoli

these have come on well.

These are a bit leggy but I will pot on in 3 inch pots in the week.

This is the first time I have grown PSB, so have no refernce to see how they are performing.

These are the Lettuce sown in the art of sowing article. I am keeping them under a lid, inside the mini greenhouse.

The reason I made my beds 8 feet wide is I have a oak beam just over 8 feet so I dont have to tread on the soil. After letting the soil settle for a week, it is a case of a light raking and plant away.It is amazing how many large stones come to the surface.
You can see the before and after either side of the beam.

Money doesn't grow on trees, but it helps grow them.
I have spent a bit over the last few weeks. I went to Lidl's and got 5x (5M)cloches, they look quite good, and even after a few seasons, can always get Plastic from my local supplier and refurb them. At £3.49 each they cover a bigger area than the Hannicks ones.
I also purchased 1000 3 inch pots for £30.00 from a Nursey that is closing down. The Chap has also sent me an extra parcel with 130 x 2 litre, 120 x 9cm, 30 x 1litre, and a few extras to value of £15. Very good value!
The Oniion seedlings are now in the minigreenhouses. With the sun we have had, only interupted by small quick flurries of snow, nothing much, they have responded well. The Lettuce are also in there, but still under a proagator lid. They also have done well. My early sowing of Purple Sprouting Broccli are
Sunday I am going to plant the fruit trees from Aldi. Set up a couple of the cloches to warm the soil and to plant out my Broadies. I also will do a second sowing of 'Onward' Peas. I will also start off some leeks, Musselburgh, in the 3 inch pots.
The final task planned is to dig in amount of the well rotted manure in the potato bed.
I feel like the season is now underway.