Having just done a review of my first six months on the plot I’m now looking forward and doing some planning for the next six months. Although I had a vague plan in my head of what I was going to do I’ve probably diverted from it more than I anticipated and whilst I think its always going to be a work in progress I think a bit more detailed planning at this stage won’t be time wasted.
So here (in print!) are my current intentions…..
October – oh my goodness one week has already gone!
- With help attempt to salvage and repair polytunnel, then move back to plot and secure in place before re-attaching cover. Have also decided to move it further up the plot from its original location (having been reminded of site rules about location of structures! – and also concerned about possible damage from planned construction work on site near my plot.
- In view of above will need to move a few of the existing beds slightly although hope the tunnel will simply slot over the top of them for now…..
- Prepare base for shed then with assistance move shed purchased back in June on to my plot.
- Continue work on layering lasagna beds and searching out supplies of brown/green material.
- Order manure from Ron the muck man
- Plant out or sow last crops for overwintering – more garlic? more winter salads?
- Continue harvesting salad & courgettes until killed by frost
- Hope pumpkin ripens by 31st!
- Weed any beds that still need it
November –
- With assistance erect shed
- Bonfire? Can burn any woody waste if needed this month.Not sure I’ll need to as any very woody waste I’m saving for a possible hugelkutur bed and this winter will probably be placed where it can provide a wildlife habitat
- Give more protection to any growing crops if needed
- Harvest – leeks & brassicas plus any winter salads
- Arrange beds inside polytunnel (by now secured and mended!)
- Top up existing beds with layer of manure
- Take hardwood cuttings of blackcurrants (Dave’s?)
- If allowed go on scavenger hunt of vacant plots on redundant side of site – looking out for useable timber, blue plastic piping, slabs, water butts, metal items
December
- Prune gooseberry bushes (only 2!)
- Poss winter prune apples & pears in communal orchard
- Harvest – leeks, any surviving winter salads
January
- Construct a hot bed in polytunnel?
- Construct some staging for seedlings, potting table etc
- Put bucket over rhubarb to force
- Plant bare-rooted fruit trees if Santa brought any – + cordon supports etc
February
- Sort out seeds ready to start sowing indoors
- Sow broad beans
- Construct bean frames, fruit cages and raspberry supports
March
- Warm up soil with fleece or polythene mulch
- Add layer of compost
My Plenty Food Project 