The Field, Part 3 - Looking Good.

There was no way that we were going to be able to use all the field this year, especially with having already planted pototoes else where, so the tactic that we decided upon was limited planting under plastic and to harrow the unused ground often enough to keep the worst of the weeds away.

As you can see, the plan has worked pretty well. I've driven over the the harrow about every 2 weeks. Not only has this kept the weeds done, it's also broken up the cow muck, improving the look of the soil.


Growing under plastic looks to be an excellent idea, and will most likely become a regular feature in the field. Here you can see, a pumpkin, a courgette (which we are now enjoying) and Sweetcorn, which looks promising.

I'm very pleased with the results, it's a big change for the pile of rubble that was there 3 years ago, and it's given me the possibility to really use my tractors! Mechanised farming is the future.

The "Field", Part 1 - April/May 2008

Big (little) Sis came to visit a couple of weeks after the birth of FBS. As well as support us, giving us lots of valuable experienced mother tips and help with FBS, she was also put to good use outside.

The field concept started when I began to see the advantages and neccesity of mechanised farming. It has become clear that a minimasation of pyhsical effort is a must if we are to succeed with the production of "bulk" vegetables needed, such as spuds.

Naturally enough, if one is to drive a tractor one needs an open, flat(ish) area to do so on. The area I had chosen, happened not to be flat and had a tree in the middle of it! What better job for b(l)s than aiding with the removal of said tree


With a quick zip from the chainsaw and a helping shove from the tractor, the tree was down in no time.


The tree was quickly dealt with, chopped up into 40cm long logs and split as required,


giving b(l)s the oppurtunity to see the advantages of hydraulic, reather than axe, powered wood splitting.


B(L)S also had a chance to try out the DB, a step up from their Fergie 20, dare I say, whilst we worked on splitting and stacking some more wood. An excellent weekend, many thanks to b(l)s for the help. A big step forward.