#smallholding
Today was definitely all about the tomatoes … and it was so nice to finally get them into the Polycrub.
We’re growing over 40 tomato plants this year, so I was absolutely delighted to discover this method of supporting them. No more tomato cages …. and that’s a real money saver (made my husband very happy).
Anyway, just get a central wire and hang garden twine from it. One long piece of twine for each plant.
Place the end of the hanging twine, under your tomato plant as it goes into the grow bag. Then as your plant grows, simply wind it around the twine.
So simple and easy … I love it.
We also caught a glimpse of our first cucumber …
Does anyone else get excited, at seeing those little green shoots come up … I certainly do, it made my day …
Yay … the bees have arrived. Absolutely delighted to welcome these little guys … really hope they love their new home.
Had a great day in the garden and managed to complete most of the jobs on my list. That never usually happens …
First job of the day was to feed and water the herbs in the greenhouse. They’ve been growing so well in there, and it’s been a real joy to cook with fresh homegrown ingredients again.
We have been battling aphids though … and in an attempt to avoid sprays, we’ve introduced some lacewing larvae. I’ve never tried this approach before, so I’m intrigued to see how well it works. Guess we’ll see… Has anyone else tried this ???
We spent the rest of the afternoon planting more cucumbers and strawberries, weeding (yuck) … and moving grow bags into the Polycrub, ready to transplant our tomatoes.
Busy … but happy, and back at it again tomorrow …
Finally out in the garden again and I’m loving it. It’s so nice to be working outside in the sunshine, and the brighter weather has really lifted everyone’s spirit.
We’ve kicked off our projects this year with some new raised beds. We had some old decking planks laying around and they were just perfect for the job.
So pleased with how they’ve turned out and we’re having fun filling them with rhurbarb and chives.
We’ve also popped some weed matting down in the Polycrub and are working hard on plans for the internal layout. Really want to get it right, so reading piles of books and doing loads of research … stay tuned …
In the meantime we’re using it for our strawberry bins and the plants are doing great.
Anyway, I’m off to plant some garlic … hope you’re all well and finding smiles along the way …
For Mothers Day this year, my daughter gave me a sign for our greenhouse. She made it from the lid of an old Whisky cask and painted it by hand. I think homemade gifts are the best and I’ll definitely treasure this one. Thank you H, I love it … Xxx
Yay … just finished planting our new raised beds (all handmade).
After a lot of consideration we finally decided, that we’d use our greenhouse to create a year round herb garden. So happy with how it’s turned out … we settled on some mint, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, bay, curry plants, sage, thyme and tarragon. So yummy, I can’t wait to start cooking with them …
We’ve also popped in an olive tree, so I’m excited to see how it fares … fingers crossed
Anyway, it was so nice to get out in the garden again … let’s hope this beautiful spring weather continues.
With the days getting longer and warmer, things are definitely ramping up around here. I’m so excited for Spring to arrive and can’t wait to loose myself in the garden. I’m transferring these guys to the greenhouse today: Rosemary, Caraway and Tarragon. I’m also hoping to grow some ginger this year, something I’ve never tried before … so if you have any tips or pointers, I’d love to hear them …
Oh … and also very excited to share, we have some Bees arriving soon. But more on that later.
Take care everyone … sending love.
We saw the first hints of spring today, with a beautiful cascade of snowdrops flowing down to the river. With all the sadness and worry at the moment, they were definitely a very welcome sight and brought a smile to my face.
Here’s a quick throwback to last summer and happier times, with birds singing and sheep in the distance. It was just a happy day … ⛰
Sending love to all in these troubled times …
I really enjoy sewing these embroidery hoops and as I appear to have gotten a little carried away, thought I might work towards a wee shop update on the 28th Feb …
I just need to decide on some backing fabric …
Sending love to all in these troubled times … Xxx
Storm Eunice has left us a good covering of snow. It’s so calm and beautiful out there now … completely different from the scary situation we were in yesterday.
Hope you’re all staying safe and sending love to all those affected by this crazy weather.
Anyway, guess it’s time to start digging out … ❄️☃️
It’s beauty never ceases to amaze me …
For more information about our wee holiday let cottage, activities and booking availability, please follow the link in our bio …
My son took a few snowy photos of his walk yesterday … so pretty I had to share them. The woods look so magical at this time of year … ❄️
We’ve had a few storms recently, with some very strong winds, a bit scary to be honest … I was so worried about our Polycrub and greenhouse. Thankfully both have survived the extreme weather beautifully, which is such a relief …
Also the snow returned today … we absolutely love it, but my chickens were definitely not impressed … poor girls. Even so, they’re being gracious enough to lay us lots of lovely eggs. I’d be lost without them …
Anyway, keeping our fingers crossed for a snowy Saturday, would be great to get the sleds out and have some fun … ❄️☃️
Hope you all have a great weekend …
Pat’s smallholding, Ourganics Evolving Systems, features a large polytunnel, a flood garden and a forest garden, all of which she harvests and sells to the local community. The local spring is used to water the crops which then joins the River Bride and a small caravan and yurt offer a place to stay, providing extra income.
Ourganics Evolving Systems is a real example of how off-grid living is a labour of love where work and play are interchangeable and a job doesn’t mean paying rent, but living a richer life.
Narrated by international lawyer and author of ‘Eradicating Ecocide’ Polly Higgins
