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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2006 17:35:22 GMT
I have the week of from work at the moment, so decided to start the winter digging. With a plot of 600 sq yds, this is no mean feat, and it has to be all done by hand, no room to bring a rotovator in. Just to make life interesting, I let the weeds grow this year where crops had been cleared, so as to provide lots of mulch for next year, by skimming the weeds off now and stacking them. The ground was wet and heavy today, but I still managed 25 sq yds, fully dug and turned. Hope to achieve similar tomorrow, but I think my output may diminish as the week progresses ...  Currently applying tried and tested medication in the form of fermented apple juice.  |
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Post by Susie Snowdrop on Oct 23, 2006 17:39:07 GMT
Hi Derek! Just look on it as muscle building......... S x |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2006 17:41:11 GMT
Yes I do actually, to me it is a free gym ...
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Post by Chuckles on Oct 23, 2006 18:05:22 GMT
Currently applying tried and tested medication in the form of fermented apple juice. Sounds like you have been a busy boy, don't go over the recommended dosage on the medication or you won't be achieving similar results tomorrow ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2006 16:18:36 GMT
Another session of 25 yds, my body is feeling a bit drained now, but the plot is beginning to show signs of getting tidier. I hope this IS making me fitter, because I am not feeling that way ! Some dry weather would help of course, the ground is sodden, so it is like digging cheese at the moment ... Switched to grape juice today ... |
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Post by Susie Snowdrop on Oct 24, 2006 16:28:03 GMT
And a large glass too for all of your efforts ;D Any pics to show us Derek? S x |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2006 16:35:18 GMT
Well most of the bottle, probably. No pictures sorry, I am not very good with a camera ...
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2006 13:10:01 GMT
Not stopped all week, but I have now completed the 'quarter' plot that I intended to do this week - phew! Also stripped off my beans, runners and corona d'oro, all for seed (to eat).
Starting on the second quarter tomorrow, but not at the ferocious pace I have used so far ...
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2006 14:09:01 GMT
Picture as requested ... showing one quarter of my plot ...  |
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Post by Spruance on Oct 27, 2006 14:12:31 GMT
You've got some good looking soil there Derek! <jealous smiley> I hate digging. Like you I always start off like the hare, but end up as a tortoise much sooner than you. The rotavator's out of action at the moment too - must get it sorted. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2006 15:08:50 GMT
Doesn't it just make you want to start planting and sowing all over again?  It does me. Roll on Spring  p x |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2006 18:24:06 GMT
Yes large areas of exposed soil seem to be crying out to grow stuff. I like the chance at this time of year to tidy the plot up though, because it does get very untidy with all the harvesting. The other thing I have noticed, is that when the plot is dug over, it reminds me just how big my plot is .... (gulpsmiley).
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Post by sweetleaf on Oct 30, 2006 8:33:40 GMT
Well done, Derek, that looks brilliant!!
We do have good soil in the Midlands dont we? Your plot looks very level... unlike mine though <jealoussmiley>
It looks as though you`ve worked really hard, are you glad youre now back at work, for a rest?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2006 9:46:56 GMT
Thank you, hard work yes, but very satisfying, to clear a weedy untidy area and make it ready for next season. I still have two more quarters to clear off before February, the remaining area is still growing over wintering stuff. Yes, work is a rest in comparison |
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Post by Chuckles on Dec 18, 2006 20:12:02 GMT
How's the digging and tidying going Derek |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2006 20:37:45 GMT
The plot is all dug now, apart from where crops are still growing, and tiny corners here and there. Most of it was done with my Terrex spade during the last two weeks or so, it is a fabulous tool. Had a big bonfire today, of willow and a bit of hawthorn and brambles. Lots of hedge and path work still to do though ... |
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Post by Chuckles on Dec 27, 2006 21:25:48 GMT
Worked off the xmas feast then Derek Been a nice day to be in the gdn or allotment. Don't you feel good when you look at what you've got done. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2006 21:50:59 GMT
I am definitely pleased with my progress, yes. I am further forward than I have ever been at this time of year, and have the next couple of months to concentrate on the other tasks that I want to get done ...
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Post by mickthecactus on Dec 29, 2006 8:58:28 GMT
Derek, I have to say that there is something really satisfying about digging. I think it's the combination of turning a weedy mess into something relatively neat and tidy and having the satisfaction of being tired from some decent exercise. I also find huge satisfaction in growing food and providing for my family rather than just buying it from a shop. It just seems right and satisfies some ancient need in me.
I also love lawn mowing - something most people hate. I have often visited friends, got the mower out and mowed the lawn for them.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2006 13:32:55 GMT
Derek, I have to say that there is something really satisfying about digging. I think it's the combination of turning a weedy mess into something relatively neat and tidy and having the satisfaction of being tired from some decent exercise. I also find huge satisfaction in growing food and providing for my family rather than just buying it from a shop. It just seems right and satisfies some ancient need in me. I also love lawn mowing - something most people hate. I have often visited friends, got the mower out and mowed the lawn for them. I have to agree i really enjoy digging it's a sense of being at one with the soil....and spookily enough i also enjoy mowing the lawn same thing i suppose find it very therapeutic! How weird are we??? |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2006 15:49:37 GMT
I dont think its weird at all. After all, digging and mowing the lawn are parts of the gardening.
I enjoy too, digging and mowing. Even if digging is not so easy it is satisfying to leave a neat and clean area behind you and knowing that in Spring the garden will be ready for planting and sowing.
For some years though, I have had a rotavator, as my garden is quite big and i cant cope with all (but there are areas which I still dig). Just yesterday I rotavated a part of the garden after spreading out manure. I was lucky as today it has been snowing all day long!
Rosefan
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2006 23:59:39 GMT
Achieving a visible end result is definitely an incentive, and a reward when complete (section dug, lawn mowed), but I enjoy the sheer physical activity of doing something strenuous ...
Today I spent 6 hours at the ice rink - and I skate as if there is no tomorrow. I left totally exhausted, in fact could barely stand after changing my footwear. But I felt brilliant ...
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