Tuesday 12 January 2016

January outdoor preparations

According to RHS website (https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/january):

"January
The coldest month
In January, your garden could need protecting from frosts, gale-force winds and heavy rain. Check stakes, ties, fleeces and other supports for damage and consider moving plants to sunnier positions to maximize light. Don't forget to keep feeding the birds, food is scarce for them over winter. You can also start planning next year's vegetable plot."

So this is what I intend to do, once we move in.  I will see what the best feed for the birds is and see if there's anything home made we can do.

I also plan on photographing and listing all plants that we have on the farm's veg plot.  For example, I know we have rhubarb and raspberries in one of the veggie beds, along with asparagus in another.  I will create a plan showing what is what and that can help me prioritise what needs doing.

The small orchard that comes with the property has a few different fruit trees in it.  Again, I will map out what's what as I need to think about pruning and preparing for 2016 growing season.

 

25 comments:

  1. Last year I was planting the first of our trees in the orchard area also nut trees and stared planting a woodland which i hope will create a wind break over time along with hedgerows, this year will be much the same, we have the vegetable area all set up along with a poly tunnel, we are now adding a second poly tunnel and fruit cage it seems never ending but I wouldnt have it any other way :-)
    PS I will put a link to your blog on my next post I am sure there are many people who would love to follow your adventures.

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    1. Do you find the squirrels take the nuts? That's what we were warned about from the current owner. He said they strip it bare. Loving the polytunnel idea, there is a huge double greenhouse which we will make use of from day one but I don't like the glass aspect. Polytunnels seem safer as well as the other benefits. Thank you so much for putting the link out there x

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  2. Hi. I followed Dawn's link! I hope that your new life as smallholders is AMAZING (which I'm sure it will be!) It's good you have some soft fruit and a small orchard already, although I am sure you will be adding to it.

    I have changed to feeding the sunflower hearts this year (the cheap mix just got thrown all over the place by the birds here). I have found that it is appreciated by the Goldfinches and the Nuthatches, as well as the usual garden visitors, and I don't need to feed the Goldfinches expensive Niger Seed any more.

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    1. Thank you - I hope so too and I cannot wait! Friday can't come quick enough). We will definitely be adding to it, I'm not sure what yet though as I think I would like to see what is produced this year before deciding (trees wise). We will do veggies immediately though.
      I found a lot of useful information on the RSPB website too - thanks for this, it's all good to know.

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  3. Hello, I have also followed Dawns link. Just want to wish you the very best of luck with your new venture. It is a wonderful way of life.

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    1. Thank you - we are super excited. Love the jam pots in your profile pic (look like jam, can't tell for sure). I love any picture like that.

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  4. Good luck with the move, your plans sound great.

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    1. Thank you - they are developing by the minute. Just as well I have this blog and my notepad, I'd be lost without them.

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  5. Hi just found you . I'm looking forward to following your adventures. Hope everything goes smoothly on Friday

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    1. So do we, thank you. I refuse to stress out about Friday as already the vendor is saying he isn't sure when he is free to drop the keys off etc etc. It's been his way all through this process, so I will just sit back and wait. We have the rest of our lives to enjoy this.

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  6. I also followed Dawn's link, good luck to you with your new venture x

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  7. I also followed Dawn's link, good luck to you with your new venture x

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  8. popping over to say hello and good luck! I live in the north east too, where a bouts are you if you don't mind me asking? :)

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    1. Hello fellow North Easterner :) We are moving near Darlington - a 10 minute drive away. It is a little hamlet with only a few houses (obviously!). I was born and raised in Teesside so this is and always will be my home. Where are you? I will find your blog :)

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    2. I'm in Tow Law, so not too far really :) we've only been here about 11months so we are still getting used to the wind and cold haha :) x

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    3. Haha yes, it can be truly wet and miserable at some points though when the summers days do happen, the wet days are quickly forgotten, by me at least :)

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  9. Good Luck for Friday,the beginning of your new life and adventure.

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    1. Thank you, much appreicated. I feel like a kid in a Famous Five book! (See, this moving business is driving me potty....!)

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  10. Just heard about your blog from Doing It For Ourselves In Wales. Tonnes and tonnes of good luck in your venture. Me and mine moved from Greater Manchester to Mid Wales this Autumn and we LOVE it. We have plans for the future, too, so look forwrd to seeing your journey, hate that word, much prefer giving it a go and going your own way.

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    1. I can't wait to sit down with a cuppa and have a good look through all of Dawn's blog - she has been so kind linking mine on hers.
      Thank you for the good luck, we will take all the luck we are offered :) Sounds like you have had an amazing "journey" too - I so know what you mean about that saying! Giving it a go and seeing what transpires. I will try and find your blog if you have one x

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  11. I've just followed Dawns link & I'd like to wish you all every success for the future. I'm sure I shall enjoy reading along x

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    1. Hi there - thank you so much :) It's lovely to have blog friends to share this with.

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  12. 1 more sleep to go. You must be sooooo excited!x

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  13. I am annoying myself, so God knows what other people must think. I am literally counting the minutes away. Tick tock.....I don't think I will be able to sleep tonight!

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