Category Archives: Smallholding

No dig diary, 22nd May 2026

Posted on May 22, 2026 by james

Today I made one final large pick from the lettuces in the polytunnel and then removed them so no plants other than the garlic are left. I’m hopeful that within a couple of weeks the outdoor lettuces will be ready … Continue reading →

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Vine-ripened tomatoes

Posted on May 21, 2026 by james

It occurred to me the other day to wonder what “vine-ripened” actually means on a pack of tomatoes, as opposed to what supermarkets want us to think it means. As far as I can find, it means you get charged … Continue reading →

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What’s going on here then?

Posted on May 21, 2026 by james

I noticed this when I was weeding today. That’s definitely not wind damage. I wonder if an animal of some description has piled through it. Deer, possibly? Might have to trim the damage back a fair it. It’s now squashed … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 21st May 2026

Posted on May 21, 2026 by james

At last, a sunny day! Feels as though it’s been ages, but probably only a week. The ground is nicely moistened now though, so it’s ideal for doing a bit of weeding. But first, how are those onions that I … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 18th May 2026

Posted on May 18, 2026 by james

I had to do the job in several goes even though it was only seven wheelbarrows of compost, but I eventually managed to get the potatoes earthed (composted) up today. I also scraped back what the blackbirds had managed to … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 17th May 2026

Posted on May 18, 2026 by james

Sowed a few more brassicas today — cauliflowers and swedes. Also some more beetroot. I was intending to sow climbing beans too, but ended up doing some tidying up in the workshop by way of hiding from the persistent rain … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 16th May 2026

Posted on May 16, 2026 by james

My challenge today was to attend a family birthday celebration for an 80th, 46th and 12th without succumbing to drug-enforced sleep (which I managed, just), but before we left home I managed to get a small amount of sowing done. … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 15th May 2026

Posted on May 16, 2026 by james

I managed a bit of planting out today, dodging the rain showers. My in-laws had a flower bed that they’re no longer using. I’d planned on reorganising it over the Winter, but, well, blood pressure issues. So it didn’t happen. … Continue reading →

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Insane compost temperature today

Posted on May 14, 2026 by james

I should try cooking a casserole in it 😀

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It lives, Igor!

Posted on May 13, 2026 by james

The mower, that is. The steering rod bracket arrived today. Spot the difference 😀 Fitting the new one was a doddle as long as you remember to get the bracket the right way up and make sure the steering wheel … Continue reading →

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