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..
