I slept a lot better last night, so feel fine today. I'm going to do a big freezer inventory today, along with a larder one as well, and bring the root veggies box in from outside in the car port and see what's left in that. Once I've done that, I shall be able to do a list of meals I can make from everything, to stretch out and use it all in the best possible way, before I need to do a big shop again. I'm spending as little on food as possible this month - well, ongoing really - as I really want to build our savings up again. The big spends this year will be fitted carpets for both bedrooms, vertical blinds for all windows and 1 or 2 fairly deep raised beds, to grow veggies. The beds have to be deep, as they're going on a concrete paved area, so no soil underneath....and besides, it means we won't have to bend down to plant or pick anything.
We've been investigating the cheapest way to construct a raised bed....I reckon it'll be by using free or cheap pallets, assuming we can get hold of them. Husband has used them before, for raised beds and to construct other things, so he's certainly capable of doing it - if we can manage to get some (I'll scour FB marketplace and any local pages) he'll take them apart and take the nails out, whilst I paint them with wood preservative. When he's constructed the bed we'll line it with plastic, before filling with soil. As for the soil, people often advertise top soil for free or cheap so I'll also look out for that. It'll be too expensive to just buy loads of compost, although we will get some, for the nutrients in it. Husband's fairly keen on doing at least one raised bed, so I need to strike whilst the iron's hot! His enthusiasm ebbs and flows nowadays. Once at least one bed is constructed (ideally I'd like 2, there's room for 2) I can do the planting up and maintenance of it, if he doesn't want or doesn't feel able to.
I haven't felt this keen, had so many plans or felt so optimistic for - well, ages and ages.
When we built raised beds we put bales of straw in the bottom which eventually rotted down.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see you enthusiastic about planning projects!
ReplyDeleteHave Fun!!
hugs
Donna
I love your last sentence - moving to that bungalow has done you a world of good. Long may the optimism last! Woohooo!
ReplyDeleteIs there a community notice board where you can request old pallets/top soil/compost? Old newspaper and cardboard is also good for putting in the bottom of your raised beds. Basically anything that will rot down. It's great to see you so enthused and loving your new place. You deserve it all! xx
ReplyDeleteI made raised beds with pallets. It's very difficult to take them apart. They have staples, not nails, to hold them together. It takes brute strength. Check out some videos. I cut them in half with a handsaw, then stood them on their ends, and used smaller pieces of wood to nail the corners together. I first lined them with plastic, but eventually had to rip that out. Pieces of old carpet, or cardboard, are good for lining. They lasted about five years before they fell apart. If you can get hold of some second hand house bricks, stack them three high, you don't need mortar, that would be good. If you get started now you can be eating your vegetables in the spring.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, you sound so happy and so full of plans. I think this move has done you a world of good.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
What a wonderful way to start a new year!
ReplyDeleteEveryone has such good ideas and hip hip hoorah for your feeling upbeat!
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