The ups, the downs and the insides out of growing your own in 2026!

Suffolk_lass

We got the greenhouse cleaned (mostly) and organised everything back in. I asked Mr Sl for an hour to get stuff out and the same to get it back in, but he was there all day, washing the pots and gravel trays while I did the Jeyes run, a separate spray bottle run and dealt with that, in between getting the Doctor's surgery to issue my missing prescription item! - it was a good job I had his help! @EssexHebridean we also need to do a GC run for some hanging basket plants - which I can pot up and then leave in the hanging baskets, hanging in the greenhouse for the next 2-4 weeks. It is raining this morning, so my bread is taking longer than usual to prove so this morning might be that trip!

EssexHebridean

We were utterly gleeful to realise there had been rain overnight - sadly though not very much of it looking at the run-off from the log-store roof!

All our plantlings are now staying out overnight anyway - they will have to take their chances regarding frosts!

Good work on the greenhouse SL! (And Mr SL!)

EssexHebridean

Gah - we have a complication as the mini greenhouse has decided that it will blow over when the wind gets up - the old one never did, so not sure why the new one is being stroppy, but there you go. The best solution in the short term has been to just take the cover off - and we'll have to hope that the plant babies cope.

Makingabobor2

Mine was very affected by the strong winds first when we had it. DH has no put those large hooks in to peg it to the ground, and also a couple of bent nails on the sides to hook over and hold the opening roof bit down, as the wind was getting under that and lifting the roof.

carinjo

The wind has been causing damage here too @Makingabobor2. Some of the newer allotmenteers have been putting up long green polytunnels, most have bits of tape on them now where they have torn.

Have been working on my list of : Would like to do, but never have the time...

Turned a pallet into double height and finished turning an old bin into a waterbutt

Moved the plastic composter (and the compost to the wooden compost bin)

Using inspiration from some neighbours, got a dedicated space now for bamboo and bits.

Got a staycation coming up, the plan is to make seating area and possibly a small pond. More research needed on the second one.

Some good news, a work colleague whom i've helped out with donating bits for his veg garden, have offered to look after seedlings when we away in june, so can delay squash, courgette accordingly.

Suffolk_lass

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81982484#Comment_81982484

We use ground anchor screw in pegs (you only need one, under the mini greenhouse, in the middle with the ratchet strap through it) - but we use them for our beehives - you can just see the ground anchor under hive 2 - like these and the ratchet straps are easy enough - but better if you have them to the side, not on top as they rust. Badgers and deer are the main problem on this farm track - not the wind

Suffolk_lass

All my squash seeds are germinating! As I stuffed two or three seeds into each small pot, to allow for duff seeds, I will need to pot them on next week. I was so pleased I planted four pots up with bean seeds (2 varieties of runner, borlotti and climbing French beans. I need to plant dwarf French beans still but that is this morning's job. I also potted on my sweet peas so they can go in their final location next week

rtandon27

This year I'll be trying to use what I already have to satisfy the gardening itch!

Started with some potato bags I'd not dug up last year that decided to sprout luscious growth so I've hilled up the volunteers with a mix of fresh potting soil and some leftover soil from last year. I usually use spent soil around the base of my numerous heritage roses, but they all seem to be doing rather well on their own this year. Last year all the potatoes were from ones that had sprouted over the previous winter from supermarket spuds and we harvested a variety of lovely new potatoes through the late summer and autumn.

Have also been saving the white end and roots or spring onions which are all in a large pot growing amazingly well. Hope to have fresh greens at my finger tips right up until autumn.

We also tend to buy windowsill potted herbs from the grocery store, and rather than compost once used, I'vve planted the parsley, coriander and chives outside in the same pots as the large potted patio baby trees. They have taken off and now have herbs ready for use!

Have started many old packs of seeds in growing trays in the summer house and suprised how many of them have come up! I've yet to transplant as they are still quite small, but fingers crossed they all survive!

Zero pounds spent so far this year on plants and soil which is a good thing as we seem to have acquired a new staging for all the already successfully growing pots!

FreeBear

Local Plant Heritage group were having a plant fair today - Picked up a Callistemon, variegated heather, and a couple of Voodoo Lily bulbs. The picture of the lily made it look very interesting. Having looked it up when I got home, not sure I'm going to like the scent if/when it flowers. Ho hum.

fionaandphil

@FreeBear we had one at it was pongy, planted at end of drive.

We are also using up packets of seed, too many bits lying around. About 50/50 success but at least we are clearing some packs out and making space for next year.