Topic: Inspiration to all newbies

[donlottie]

Had my plot a week now. Discovered 15 raspberry bushes, 3 Rhubarb plants.

Since clearing the nettles I have managed to dig two beds, one is raised. Spending 2 hours (7-9am) every morning. This morning I measured and marked a now bed. Dug this over and was surprised to find it was full of potatoes. Small but perfectly formed!!

Got so excited (sad I know) but it spurred me on to keep digging and before I knew it the bed was dug over and I am now the proud owner of a stone's worth of baby boils.

No matter how daunting it looks, stick your head down and get digging, seeing fresh soil is good for the soul as well as the bod!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[saddad]

Well done Donlottie... enjoy the potatoes and could probably follow with rhubarb crumble..
 ;D

[Barnowl]

Great work, but don't forget to plant something, there's still time   :)

[cornykev]

Don't worry Don we all get excited when we find our surprise spuds, especially the first find. ;D ;D ;D

[posie]

Thanks Donlottie that was just what I needed to read this morning! Was feeling v disheartened after working by butt off for an hour only to dig a 6ft x 2ft hole! And getting heatstroke in the process  :(  *Note to self, no digging at 4pm in full sunlight!  Well done on the find!

[donlottie]

Posie - I have been going up to the plot at 7 in the morning for a couple of hours, benefit is it is quiet and you hear all the birds, its cool but not cold, and it doesnt interfer with your day too much. It was scorching yesterday I am amazed you didn't kill yourself. big hat and suncreen is needed by all. SUMMER is here!! ;D ;D ;D oops spoke too soon its gone again. :( :( :(

[posie]

I know, I know, guess I got a little carried away  :(  Just out of interest, how big did you dig your first bed? Trying to figure out a manageable size for my first one.

[Lauren S]

Was there this morning at 08.15. Must be an age thing, but I find the mornings better for digging. Like Posie said, it's cool and quiet. Nobody to interrupt your toughts.  ;D

Lauren

[scotch-mist]

posie,
         What I did was make my beds around 4ft in width and around 7ft long.
The length doesn't really matter, but the reason I stuck to 4ft wide was because I can stand on the path on either side and weed between the rows of veggies without tramping on my soil  ;)
  I'm only 5ft 2" so my arm reach is not that great.
Maybe someone else would have a better way of doing it  :)