Planting Onion Sets

Following on this week we also planted red and white onion sets in a raised box.

First we prepared the compost in the box, removing any debris and finally adding fresh multi purpose compost.

Next we watered the compost before planting.

Then using two spacers one at 30 cm and one at 10 cm we planted two rows of onions tip up.

Also, we planted up the strawberries in hanging baskets and hung them in the mint poly tunnel.

Finally, this week we picked another couple of boxes of lettuces, for the kitchen.

Potting on Plug Plants

This week at WESC we potted on some annual bedding plants we grew from seed, Petunias, Verbena (Annual) and Sweet peas.

First we prepared the compost mixing 70 % multipurpose to 30 % perlite. 

Then we loosely filled the pots roughly half way.

Placed the plug plant in the pot and overfilled around the plug plant, gently firming the compost.

Labelled them and left them in a water bath so the compost can wick up the water with out damaging the new growth on top.

Also, we have finished building the bee stand and have the go ahead from Exeter and Devon Bee 

Association, so all is looking good for some WESC honey this year!

Planting Out Brassicas

This week we planted out Dwarf Kale, Purple Kale and Spinach that we grew from seed.

First we added lime approx two weeks ago to balance the pH of the soil as we had previously added a lot of organic matter. we then covered the bed with a cloche to help warm the soil.

Next we weeded again! gently hoeing the weeds of the top, and removing any perennials by hand.

We planted the Dwarf Kale and Spinach into blocks 30cm rows 15cm apart. We used bamboo canes cut to lengths as spacers. 

Digging a planting pocket and filling with water. 

Adding organic fertilizer.

And gently firming in the plants.

Finally, we added a couple of Borage plants that we have grown to attract the bees, and gave them a good watering and placed the Cloche back.

Good News I have met the WESC bees and they are friendly! They will be joining us soon...

Runner Beans in Toilet Rolls

At WESC this summer we will be growing four different varieties of Runner Beans (Phaseolus coccineus) over a large A frame covering the entire length of one of our raised boxes.

We are trying a different approach by planting into toilet rolls. Following this method we will be able to plant the runner bean and the toilet roll into the raised bed outside in one go. Thus making the young runner beans easier to handle and the toilet rolls will slowly disintegrate into the soil.

First we prepared the multi purpose compost carefully breaking down any lumps in are hands. 

We then placed the toilet rolls in small pots to hold them steady and filled them just over half way with compost.

We sowed one seed per toilet roll approx 5cm deep and covered to the top with compost.

Finally, we watered well placing them in a water bath to absorb the water and placed them in warm spot in the conservatory.

Also, the Little Gem Lettuces, Kale and Spinach seedlings we pricked out are doing well and will be planted out soon...

Sowing the first seeds of spring

 Today we planned what vegetables we are going to grow in Joe's vegetable bed.

We discussed it and agreed to grow Parsnips, Carrots, Beetroot and Sweetcorn. Due to the slow growing nature of the root vegetables we will inter sow with radishes for a quicker crop.

First we measured and laid out the bed taking into consideration the row spacing, depth and distance apart that the seeds need to be sowed. We will be working in blocks.

Then we prepared the soil using a hand rake and soil sieve, raking it to a fine tilth.

Then, using a bamboo cane made a drill in the soil and watered.

We then sowed the seed, carefully raking over to make sure the seed made contact with the soil.

All we need now is sunlight and a cloche!

Finally, this was our last project as Joe has successfully graduated from WESC.

Good Luck for the future!!! 

Raised Beds Continued...

Following on from the previous blog. In preparation of growing vegetables this year we continued preparing the beds for growing, following the no dig method. This involves a lot of work in the early stages but once up and running will only require regular mulching at the beginning and end of the growing season.

Following the lasagne layer technique, we first added old turfs that we had dug earlier in the year from our loam stack.

We then added composted leaves from our leaf mulch pile.

Added organic material from the compost heap.

Added cardboard to block the light out so the organic material continued to decompose. The cardboard will add carbon which will also improve the soil.

We then watered the cardboard to speed up the process.

We then repeated the process adding organic material in layers as before.

Finally, we added a layer of well rotted manure.

Hey presto!

To be continued...