The Prepping Thread - A Newer Beginning ;)

MingVase

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/17/uk-facing-worst-wheat-harvest-since-1980s-national-farmers-union-nfu

greenbee

MingVase said:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/17/uk-facing-worst-wheat-harvest-since-1980s-national-farmers-union-nfu

But apparently harvests elsewhere have been good so we should be ok for supplies. And we just need to be flexible in what we eat. Every time I see people panic buying bread and milk I wonder why they can’t come up with alternatives ... they’re not essential.

Greenglockenspiel

I’ve bought most of my seeds for next year and mean to get a couple of bags of compost given how hard it was to come by earlier this year. Also a second compost bin as our first is filling up but isn’t ready yet. 

Still pondering a greenhouse. Has anyone got a recommendation apropos polycarbonate vs glass?

Rowan9

GreyQueen thanks for posting about van life guy a while back. I just love his videos! 

GreyQueen

wmf said:

GreyQueen thanks for posting about van life guy a while back. I just love his videos! 

Glad you’re enjoying them, I find him an engaging and upbeat presence.

Floss

Greenglockenspiel said:

I’ve bought most of my seeds for next year and mean to get a couple of bags of compost given how hard it was to come by earlier this year. Also a second compost bin as our first is filling up but isn’t ready yet. 

Still pondering a greenhouse. Has anyone got a recommendation apropos polycarbonate vs glass?

I had 2 glass on my allotment until a really bad storm and I had 1 glass & 1 frame...reglazed with polycarbonate twin wall panels and it was amazing, like a little poly tunnel. I grew peppers, chillies, aubergines in the summer & carrots, salad & peas through the autumn & winter. 

I would recommend it, it's safe around kids (and clumsy gardeners) and if in your garden is a great place to dry your laundry!

ziggy2004

I had not thought about stocking up on seeds, we were given a whole bunch as a gift so may already have most of what we need for next year. Sewing stuff I have enough to keep the whole village in clothing so that will be ok and OH hoards hardware. 

Sadly the brambles were still green at the weekend so we will have to try again next weekend. Schools being back is going well so far, children are all happy to be back and do not find the extra rules a problem ( the oldest teen did complain about the one way system as it means he has to walk a bit longer to get to some classes) 

Rowan9

GreyQueen said:

wmf said:

GreyQueen thanks for posting about van life guy a while back. I just love his videos! 

Glad you’re enjoying them, I find him an engaging and upbeat presence.

Yes! He is upbeat and I love that. Watched the one where he gives away some things to a fellow vanner, things like his heater! A good guy. I like to see the good use of storage space. The scenery is great too. I’m hooked!

thriftwizard

Greenhouse-wise, I'm currently waiting on delivery of the framework parcel for a 6x6 polycarbonate greenhouse (due between 11-12 today) which has been something of a saga to obtain; I first ordered one back in April! However, better late than never, it's just unfortunate that me finally having enough "spare" money to pay for one coincided with lockdown & everyone else deciding they'd like one too! Also, the cheapest supplier isn't necessarily the best, and even the best are dependent on their couriers having a vague idea where things are & where they might be destined for...

But I went for polycarbonate for a very specific reason; the only spot in the garden that's sunny enough in winter & spring is directly under an apple tree. Horticultural glass wouldn't stand a chance & toughened glass is very expensive. We've had a tiny (6 x 2) polycarbonate greenhouse for many years & it's stood up to all kinds of mayhem, from dropped logs to ricocheting ball-bearings from a BB gun (don't ask, they've left home now!) & would still be doing its job brilliantly if someone hadn't planted a stand of bamboo right next to it, making it somewhat cold & dark.

So, consider position carefully, and likely "incidents" too. One thing I've noticed is that my brother's extremely posh greenhouse - they bought the house from a retiring professional orchid grower - is also polycarbonate. We've seen the original receipt; it cost over £8,000 15 years ago, before adding in the heating & lighting. So polycarbonate isn't necessarily sneered at by the professionals.

Living_proof

GQ could I possible ask you to let me have the link for the van guy. We have a van ourselves and always look for innovation on a budget! I am glad to see you are recovering well and I don't think you're missing much, such are these strange times!