Hello Scarecrow!

Today's job was to make a scarecrow, not so much to scare away the birds, but rather because I figured its not a real veg patch without one :) Didn't turn out quite how I had planned, but I guess its not so bad for my first attempt!

Also divided out my beds into segments for planting...they're probably a little wider than they should be as I find it difficult to reach the centre, but I though cutting the planks down to size was a bit too adventurous for me :) So they'll have to do for this year!

Next job is to get planting but there's been frost the past few nights so I'll have to wait till that passes.

Preparing The Ground

Todays Job was to get the beds ready for planting. First thing I did was covered the ground with a layer of thick cardboard, this is supposed to keep the weeds down while allowing air & moisture into the soil & it rots back down into the soil in time.

Next job was to fill the beds with well rotted compost - I used horse manure as I have an unending supply of the stuff.

Next job was to build a compost heap out of pallets & add the left over manure to it. I'll use this to add my kitchen & garden waste to over the next few months.

And my final job of the day was to add a layer of soil on top of the compost and rake it level.



Getting Started

So, today I decided I'd like to grow my own veg. Not quite sure yet if it's one of my better ideas, but thought I better make a start while I still think its a good idea :)
Had a scout around the yard & found a few old scaffolding planks that I thought I could use to make some raised beds....I've been told they're easier managed than the traditional ridges so thought I'd give them a go!
Also got myself a hammer, a saw & some other bits of wood to use to support the scaffolding planks.

And this is what I came up with


Next job will be to add some compost to them and get them ready for planting & we'll see how we go from there!