How to build a net cage for veg!

First find a willing accomplice to fashion some 2 meter lengths of wood. These bits should do fine!

Dave's got wood

Next dig some holes in the corners of the plot and put the posts in. Then refill the holes and stamp the earth in well so they stand up on their own.

A four poster.

 Now all you have to do is spread the netting over the top and down the sides: easier than it sounds, and not something to do on an empty stomach which is why I left Dave to finish it off when only half done!

View from the back of the plot.

Dave trying not to get the net snagged... and failing.

11th August

View of the allotment on the 11th Aug. Dave is having a crafty rollup in the corner. 

Terrace construction

We got hold of a bunch of pallets for free from some local businesses and roped our friend Fry in to let us use his little van to transport them all. By sinking them into a trench and using branches hammered into the ground for support we built up a terrace so that we can plant stuff on almost flat ground. Plus it looks cool too.

First things first, get the pallets

Starting to dig everything in.

Completed terrace with the first beetroots planted

Strawberries, potatoes and shallots, with a brand new watering can.

18th July: Lumberjacks

So to clear some space, create more light and get a load of sticks we can use we got the ok to cut down some trees. In the first picture Dave is showing off some improvised head protection after cutting down the tree in the right hand corner of the allotment. In the second picture you can see one and a half trees cut down in the left corner. Originally we wanted to cut them all down completely to maximise the light since the trees block the sun out for half the day, but it seems a shame to cut down the big tree so we decided instead to just thin out the branches at the top. Aren't we kind!

He's a lumberjack and he's okay (he sleeps all night and he works all day)

Deforestation in action

3rd July: Hired help

Several days weeding and digging up massive roots later and it's still only half done. Mr Mark is drafted in to provide some extra muscle. The big plant behind him is a burdock which, if we knew where to find some dandelions, might have made a refreshing drink.

Mr Mark showing off his handiwork.

Day 1

We took on an overgrown allotment that hasn't been looked after in what seems to be several years. The main part is approx 10m x 20m and the back half was covered in 5ft high blackberry bushes and assorted brambles. Good for jam, but not making the best use of space. The front half was covered in assorted thick weeds. 

Dave poses infront of the brambles

After the first day de-brambling.

Ginger beer all round!