It was drab, overcast and wet today - all day. It was one of those days you would rather not spend any more time outside than you had to.
But as a homesteader you have to.
Today we were digging the trenches along each side of the new polytunnel for anchoring down the cover.
But we hit the rocks - and there were some big ones!
I have seen on old maps from the 1840s that there was a well right where we are erecting the polytunnel. I am wondering if the rocks in this photo are from sort of construction around the well.
This is a good site for looking at old maps online : Old Maps Online
Despite the rain we managed to complete all the trenching.
We were then going to contruct the door frames and doors (one at each end). Alas the local timber merchant let us down, delivering the wrong timber altogether. Turns out they were out of stock of the 4" x 3''s we needed. They should be getting the correct wood to us next Tuesday.
So despite the delay we are still on schedule for completion of the polytunnel by next Wednesday or Thursday.
I've noticed recently that I have been collecting far fewer eggs from the main flock of hens in the new pen. We had been getting at least 6 eggs each day from the 7 hens there, but over the last few days it has been down to one or two.
Today I discovered why. Hidden in a thick area of nettles the chickens have made a nest and have been accumulating eggs there. I can see about 14 there so far. I'm assuming it is a collective effort between a few of the hens. One of them I guess will start sitting on the eggs shortly.
I'm delighted about this. We have relied on incubator hatching the last couple of years so if we get some new naturally raised young replacement chickens that will be great. Particularly as most of the flock in the old orchard are now 5 or 6 years old.
The garden is booming at the moment at the moment. The mixture of hot, sunny days switching with a few wet days is quite ideal for growing.
Here are my garden produce of the day photos - enjoy!
Looks like it's going to be a busy weekend. One of my daughters is taking part in the Armed Forces Day parade with the cadets. I'll be starting on the dispatch of the current batch of broiler chickens (seven in total). And I've got the three new raised beds to plant up.
That's all for tonight. But before I go I'll give a shout out to a little fun competition I posted earlier this evening. Do you know your flowers? Have a go...
@pennsif/pennsif-s-puzzles-1-do-you-know-your-flowers
Goodnight all.
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