I Think You’re Bonkers

I have six 4 foot fence posts in my garden. They were used to support fence panels when we fenced off the bramble patch and they’re still there, with the metal seat/spike things we used on the bottom - we didn’t concrete them in. One fence panel is still in place but it could go quite easily.

I’m pondering what to do with the garden next year and wondering if 6 fence posts might just be the basis for a nice sized chook pen? They’ll need digging out and reseating where we want them, which is behind the shed and we’ll need chicken wire or something to attach to them and a coop/chook house too. Oh and a couple of chooks and feed, and whatever else they need…. But the beginnings of an idea is there for getting ready for a couple of hens.  Maybe.

Next year the bramble patch is being given over to squashes - whatever we choose to grow but pumpkins are definitely on the list! Might try a butternut, might try some decorative gourd types.

We’re all learning lots about plant care this year. Melon’s HATE the wind and die, but shelter them and they’re fine. Mine last surviving melon is in the cold frame and doing well although I think it’s now way too late for fruit. But the lesson is learned and next year they go straight under cover and stay there. Broccoli on the other hand likes to be beaten! Yes, literally. Mine is in a shelter to keep the cabbage whites off it and was making loads of leaves (threatening to escape!) and no broccoli, until *someone* came and battered it. Now it’s making broccoli. Oh, and slug pellets are good. No, not the nasty evil ones, but some I found labelled "Certified for organic use." Otherwise I get to grow bugger all past seedling stage.  

Now we love broccoli but hate finding caterpillars in it, so it needs some protection but sprays are out of the question. So this year I got my little plant shelter and figured that’d be fine. It’s kind of done ok, but I have problems with the damp and slugs in therem and it’s plastic and it’s got torn so I can’t use it next year. So. I’m thinking mini fruit cage type thing? A set of posts/poles with a smallish holed net/mesh over them to keep the cabbage whites off but still lets sun, rain and wind in. It wouldn’t have to be big enough to walk into like a fruit cage, but I’d have to be able to get in - which is why I’m thinking netting so it can be lifted like the plastic on the cloche. It also won’t rip so easily or kite away.

Oh and I’m after a greenhouse but I have to figure out where to put it and how to fix one into place…..

Big plans, now watch me not do any of it! Although the kids are now happily digging out the posts as they really really want chickens.