Category Archives: Smallholding

Yanmar 1510D starter motor replacement

Posted on June 6, 2026 by james

As I mentioned a few days back, the starter motor on the tractor has been playing up. With hindsight I suspect it has actually been close to failing for some time. Anyhow, I had a hunt online for possible replacements … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 4th June 2026

Posted on June 6, 2026 by james

At last the polytunnel is planted up with almost all of the crops I want in it this year, having been delayed by the cold and my blood pressure issues. All the tomatoes and peppers are in, just have cucumbers … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 3rd June 2026

Posted on June 4, 2026 by james

Sweet Williams in the cutting bed, almost all in flower now. Of course the difficult question is going to be, given that they’re biennial, where do I plant out the ones that I sowed this year?

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No dig diary, 2nd June 2026

Posted on June 4, 2026 by james

I had to take some time away from, well, outdoors really, because it has been so hot and I just couldn’t cope with it. Once temperatures returned to something more “normal” for the time of year however, I got on … Continue reading →

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Yanmar 1510D lower radiator hose replacement

Posted on June 4, 2026 by james

The coolant system on my compact tractor has been leaking for some time and whilst I had identified the problem as being a failed lower radiator hose and eventually bought a replacement, I still hadn’t got around to actually replacing … Continue reading →

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This may be the hottest I’ve ever seen

Posted on June 4, 2026 by james

From the compost heap that we’re currently using. That’s an astonishing temperature. Don’t think I’d be too keen to put my hand in there.

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The very last of last year’s onion harvest

Posted on June 4, 2026 by james

I’ve really been stretching them out. As I’ve already posted, ones that have sprouted went back into the veg plot to produce seeds, but ones like these I have been using up in salads and toasties.

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No dig diary, 24th May 2026

Posted on May 24, 2026 by james

The plan today was to spread more compost in the polytunnel and get the rest of the tomatoes planted out in it. Even relatively early in the morning it was clearly way too hot however so after one wheelbarrow’s worth … Continue reading →

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Exmoor Ales’ secret is out

Posted on May 24, 2026 by james

I picked up some spent hops from Exmoor Ales recently to add to my compost heap. Little did they know that they would be giving away the secret of the flavour of their beer: added rabbit droppings 😀

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No dig diary, 23rd May 2026

Posted on May 23, 2026 by james

Started planting my tomatoes out in the polytunnel today. Thirty-two plants so far, a mix of Garnet, Orange Banana, Skykomish, de Colgar, Lotos and Dív?í Prs. I still have Amish Paste and Polish Linguisa to do once I’ve spread more … Continue reading →

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