#gardenlog

Made a planter using pallet wood, got a few herbs in it, and some peas, strawberries, mint and thyme along the fence.

Slugs! Gagh! I'd put copper tape round things, (had done that a few years ago when I had a couple of pots) and it looked to be working.

Until I put Mint down. They attacked it mercilessly. Yes, mint, which slugs aren't meant to like. Put coffee grounds round it...no, they ignore that. I really didn't want to go for killing things but...decided to try the beer method (well, sugar and yeast in a bottle) and they go for it...but stop for a mint snack on the way to the pub.

I'd like to let nature deal with them, but nothing lives in my garden expect slugs and woodlice.

Last night, crushed up garlic and lemonbalm, dedicated it to Hecate, and made a ring around the mint. This morning? No slugs in the ring! But some on the bits of mint that lean passed it. So partial success.

Moved in to a flat, first time living on my own, and there's a concrete and gravel back yard (with a tree stump!)

Figured I could grow things there...have some life.

So I...

Cleared the weeds and had a bonfire (saved the ashes)

Got some scrap wood (https://www.streetlife.com is great) to make planters

bought loads of dehydrated coir compost (it's cheap (70p per bag), each bag makes 50l but they come small. I have no car so can't buy normal compost as I can't carry it home)

Started planning.

Here is what I've done so far:

* Made the first planter, planted Onions at the last new moon, putting Spinach and Radish in the un-used half just to use up the space that will be filled in the spring.

* Planted Potatoes which, hopefully, will be harvestable ready for Yule/Christmas/Human-light