October in our Garden
We now have 6 raised beds 3.6metres x 1.2 metres with a depth of 300mm are filled with a mixture of Recycled Soil and Compost. Other areas and the Greenhouse shared 5 tons at a cost of £115 .
We have a ridge pole made of a batten (2x1) at a height of 400mm above the soil supported on three legs and nailed together.
A Poly Plastic sheet 5m x 2m bought at Wilko for £3.98 is draped over the ridge and another batten nailed to hold it down.
The sides and ends are secured with battens nailed to the frame.
I can tell you about it as so far so good.. A real windy storm was survived so we live in hope.
Under this “Cloche” we have planted Broad Beans and Spring Cabbage seeds in one half and peas in the other. Yes peas in October. And they are all up and showing. The plan is to transfer them to the Greenhouse later.
If this plastic tent works we will develop it for the other 5 beds.
We have three strongly built “Grow tables” these are raised flower beds – 2m long x 900 metres high and 400mm wide on legs. Two will be for new strawberry plants yet to arrive and one is in the greenhouse full of Green pepper and chilli pepper plants still producing.
The peas I referred to will be planted under the table and supported by it if they survive.
On the other Greenhouse bed we have planted Lettuce, Radish Onion Cabbage and Cauliflower seed.
This is all experimental and all according to the weather.
I am thinking of a heater for the greenhouse and a small paraffin heater that can be left on for two weeks sounds the best bet. I do have a gas bottle heater but this will be more expense and effort remembering to light it up at night and off in the morning.
Any suggestions ?
Of course I will only turn it on if the temperature falls below Zero.
I have a wooden thermometer strategically placed on the West wall of the house to look at each morning.
(Perhaps I should get a weather station going )
Weeding, pruning and planting continue.
I have a metal dustbin full of wood ash to spread strategically.
The NPK rating is 0-1.2-2
Checking this with the garden bible I see that some plants like the extra potash and some don’t.
Herb plants do, some fruit bushes do, but potatoes don’t. Raising the PH makes the soil “sweet”
Add some to the compost heap for a quicker composting too.
We have ordered 30 raspberry plants to go with our three autumn plants which gave a modest crop. The difficulty judging the crop was because the bird got there first. The Missus ! She appears in the garden to help and makes a bee line for the raspberry canes.
We have two sites prepared for the canes when they arrive. The tall summer fruiting plants in one long line and a bed for the autumn fruiting ones.
Three blackberry and three blackcurrant plants make up the order from J Parker’s.
We are hoping they will give fruit and pleasure without too much effort.The key is to protect the fruit form the feathered friends, I gather.
We have planted 100 daff bulbs and transplanted the Lilies from their pots to the garden. Fuchsia plants have been separated and moved to the front garden.
The Pampas grass is out in bloom if that is what you call the long stems with a white “brush” waving in the wind. So magnificent are they that my wife is dwarfed by them. A photo has been sent to the family in the Philippines.
The lawn needs one more trim. This is due to the Indian summer and rain we have had. However we still need more rain. Drying winds have wilted the Runner beans though we still have enough for the evening meal.
Soon it will be time to open the bottled and frozen food.
Not really related but mentioned is that I am intending to buy a whole lamb at £5 a kilo cut and bagged. I am also thinking of some beef but I want to find out whether the fore or hind quarter gets more demand at my local butcher and relieve him of the one he has most of left. We must size up the freezer to house the meat too.
Do comment if you have any suggestions.
More in November……
