Posted on by Lesley

Vegetable planting

Although it’s been warm during the days of April up here on the island, with temperatures of around 16C, the nights are still pretty cold at about 5C or less. So it’s time to still be cautious about planting anything tender out.

We’ve started prepping the polycrub growing area with a layer of cardboard followed by a layer of wood chippings to act as a weed suppressant.

It’s been heavy work for husband wheelbarrowing load after load of woodchip over the croft to the tunnel so that I could lay and level it. We’re not finished yet.

I’ve also started filling old sheep lick tubs and canvas grow bags with soil and compost so that I can plant out some of my seedlings. The local crofters give them away and they’re great to recycle as planters with a few holes drilled in the base of each for drainage.

So far I’ve got peas, borlotti beans, and a few squash and courgette plants in the tunnel. The salad leaves are in there too waiting to transfer into positions outside. The tomatoes, cucumbers, dill, parsley, basil and chillis are still too small to go out into the tunnel yet so will benefit from a few more weeks of growth.

I also managed to get the carrots and kale sown directly into the raised beds. Potatoes, onions and garlic are already in. So although the beds look pretty empty, they’re actually full!

A busy time on the croft. Days of lifting, raking, bending and sowing. I’m certainly sleeping well at night at the moment!

Wishing you all a great growing season with good weather and lots of greens. ❤️

12 Replies to “Vegetable planting”

  3. I use all the tubs that my parents have from all the wild bird food they buy. They’re perfect for raising tomato plants in, and I often start things off indoors and just transfer the tubs straight outside. I have all sorts of plants bursting to go out permanently now, but the nights are still a bit chilly here too. One more week I tell them! I’ve given sunflowers and runner beans a go this year and they are already like triffids! Your plot is looking amazing. I am so jealous of all your space! It’s coming on a treat! 🙂

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    1. Awww thank you. Well done you on the tub repurposing too. I’ve taken the plunge and left lots of the seedlings out in the polycrub tonight, which is unheated, with just a layer of bubble wrap over them. Fingers crossed they survive.

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  4. It looks fantastic and always interesting to hear of growing approaches in different climates. We are so behind here (cold then rain periods for weeks). The seeds are in (similar list to yours) and outside under a covered deck. The artichokes have a lot of green growth but need to keep an eye on them as they are a trek across an orchard. The almonds are going literally ‘nuts’ so a better year this time.

    Stay well, it is always a pleasure to read your blog!

    Best wishes,

    D

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  5. It’s looking awesome. The polycrub looks like an absolute winner. Gardening is hard work. We shifted three tonnes of compost and soil last week to fill our new raised beds… three more tonnes arrived yesterday which we’re hoping will be last of it.

    What’s your slug situation like?

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    1. OMG guys, that’s a lot of shovelling! You must have buns of steel by now! At the moment we’re not using tonnes but yep, next spring when Hugh builds the beds in the polycrub, we’ll be the same 😂.
      Slugs aren’t too bad so far. That may change when we fill up a deli bar of lettuces soon for their delectation though …

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