Bank holiday plans.

Our surrounding farms are in full swing.  They have their cattle out in the fields, who were obviously really interested in something, so much so they lined up in a semi-circle for it.

The currant bushes are laden!  I am really excited as I can't wait to make those delicious cordials again that we made last year.  I'll be stocking up on them this year though, to preserve rather than use right away.

We've been eating asparagus and purple sprouting broccoli a few times a week.  So far we've had it whole and in stir fries and it's delicious.  I've got a load of PSB in for 2018 as it's a lovely crop to have and fills the gap when waiting for the next years crops and finishing the last of the leeks and so on.  It takes almost a full year to harvest, so it's in a separate bed near the fruit trees.  Time will tell if it's any good there.

This coming weekend is a bank holiday and we're spending some of it with friends and the rest of it in the veg plots and paddocks.  The pigs will hopefully be moving to their new accommodation on Sunday.  We're out Saturday otherwise we'd do it before and if they escape, we need to be on site for it.  We'll be home Sunday and Monday as normal, so that seems sensible.

In the veg areas I want to get some more plants out but I'm hesitant after this week's frosts.  I also need to get a lot of things potted on and some more sown to ensure successional sowing.  I'll give the ones that are out already a feed and some pellets for the slugs (no hedgehogs can get in, it's rabbit proofed for those who worry).

I'll be checking on the fruit and nut trees that we have recently planted but I won't need to water them as we've had rain, snow and sleet in parts.  Shot lived but enough to water them.

The main crop potatoes are showing through so I will earth them up and cover them in the ongoing battle with the chickens.

I am also going to try and get something done with the field that I flattened.  I used my fiesta, as in my car.  I asked the farmers, tried to pay people and looked online.  No one could help, so I used my initiative.  I knocked myself sick going backwards and forwards, but the job's done.  Now I need to get the grass seed sown.  Obviously the ground is flat and hard, so I need to get my thinking cap on.  I have basic tools only!

I've been weeding as often as I can, to try and stay on top of it so they don't take a hold.  The weeds get thrown onto the pile of 'scrap but useful' items we keep behind the barn and the chickens see to it.  They love scratching round in them.

A busy weekend planned.  It's all too much for Rodney and Buster.