Ticking off the jobs

As a fledgling business we are still building as we are going, or more accurately building as we are growing! As a result, in addition to sowing, planting and cultivating there are still loads of other jobs on the list. With little to know time in the peak of the growing season the winter months are really the only period when it is possible to devote more time to getting infrastructure work done and ticking those jobs off the list.

New doors for the polytunnel was high up the list, to improve ease of access and make the entrances more weather proof and able to cope with strong winds.

Melv made the doors with proper catches and handles which means that we are now able to open and close the doors with our hands full, as we are often juggling numerous pots and trays. He has also constructed inner doors, which will be covered with insect mesh, so no more chasing around with a fishing net trying to catch cabbage white butterflies as they target our greens for their egg laying!!

New doors have been made for both ends, so we can get into the tunnel easily whatever the wind direction and be confident that they will not be blown open by the strong winds that we seem to be having a lot of lately.

 

Moving outside, building deep grow beds free of wireworms, for root vegetables such as salsify and carrots, is an important job which will enable us to provide variety of produce.

Working on ground that has previously been down to grass, means that the soil is prone to being inhabited by wireworm, which are attracted to feed on roots and as a result can be devastating for root veg especially.

Wireworm in 'bait' potatoes we left for them.

 
Constructed out of galvanized sheeting and timber they provide an excellent growing space adjacent to the polytunnel and they also provide the opportunity for the recycling of salad trays, to which we add our own compost, providing an excellent wireworm free media.
 

Our homemade chiller was essential during the warmer months last year, providing the opportunity to hold on to salad trays for a short time, by halting their growth and so enabling continuity of supply. But to satisfy demand it was nowhere near big enough, so doubling the size was another essential job on the list.

Of a simple construction this was a relatively simple job to do. By moving the frame and door out the size of a 8ft x 4ft Celotex insulation sheet the chiller was doubled in size, which will not only meant that it can house more trays but also that we can actually move around in it - luxury.

 

With the chiller unit back in place, the new structure is ready to be used as soon as the warmer months arrive. All that was left to do was the clad the outside, smarten it up and add to its efficiency.

Heading outside once more, having constructed additional grow beds in the adjacent field for plants such as asparagus, rhubarb, artichokes and horseradish, fencing is also on the list and one on the next jobs and as usual the girls are keen to help!!