Sooo excited about this, and what a plot it is!
South facing, a greenhouse, potting shed, mature bramley apple tree, small overgrown pond and lots of plants that I'm yet to unearth 🥰
Just need to clear it first
Sounds great. Congratulations!
Hope the clearing of it is enjoyable. Do keep reporting on what you discover. What are you most looking forward to?
how do you plan on planting you plot. how big is the plot?
I love the thought of the apple tea. I would love to make some apple pies, strudel and maybe a chutney too.
So today after clearing floating debris from the small overgrown pond I unearthed a newt which I quickly put back and also a couple of mating frogs!
I've heard supermarket watercress can help oxygenate the water
Has anyone tried this?
Do I put the watercress straight into the pond??
Lovely to have a pond so full of life. I have no knowledge of using watercress as an oxygenator. First thoughts are that more people would do it if it works but you don't lose much by trying.
Does the pond already have some oxygenating plants? It sounds like it's working pretty well as it is, but I guess the test is when temperatures start to rise. You can see then whether you get any problems with blanket weed, etc.
There's not a single plant in it, so I was surprised to find a newt frogs and also water snails!
I'm planning on creating an escape route, and putting in some plants to improve the water quality
Just noticed this...
Great to hear that Deb..good luck, I envy you XX Jeannine
Congrats on the new plot, sounds like a great one! What's the soil like over there?
I'd be a little wary of putting bagged watercress straight in the pond, I've never tried it but without a root system I presume it wouldn't live and would rot down and cause oxygenation issues.
The soil is really good! Lots of nettles - which (apparently) are a good sign of fertile soil 🤞
It has some mares tail(horsetail?), which I'm digging out.
Still a little wary of a late frost, as temperatures have fluctuated but I'm hardening off and starting to plant beginning with brassicas netted from pigeons and in a raised bed
How did the plot work out over the season Debs?
Hi Galina 😀
I've had a very busy, but productive first season!
I had some seeds left from a 2016 A4All seed collection, ( Viola Cornetti CFB which were from you!)
A few germinated, and I collected the seeds.
I also have some peas( need to find the label) and San Marzano tomato seeds
Can I contribute these to the seed circle this year?
Deb 🌻
Hello Deb.
Congratulations on a productive first season! And on getting your 2016 bean seeds to germinate.
You certainly can contribute your beans, peas and tomato seeds to the seed circle. It will be great to have you join.
If you could put a note to that effect on the seed circle thread it would make sure that others who are planning to donate seeds will know how many packets to set aside. And just to let you know that we have a date now of end of November.
Thanks JanG - it's great to be back!
Looking forward to receiving the parcel (I'm excited already!!)
Deb 🌻