Photos of my garden

[Zoidburg]

This has been the first year we (wife & I) have really put some effort into our back garden. We've owned our house for 6 years now and have usually really just maintained the boarders and grass that we inherited from the previous owners.

What started this project off was that about 3 months ago I was wandering around site (I'm a surveyor working on a mixture of commercial projects at any one time) and I noticed we had a load of scaffold boards that would be getting skipped. The thought of some free materials got me thinking and id soon decided to rip out the horrible garden hedge we had and replace it with a raised planter with the idea of growing some vegetables.

After I'd filled the planter with a mixture of topsoil (again a free-bie from site) and compost we planted a mixture of courgettes, carrots, onions, beetroot, butternut squash, runner beans and I think some lemon grass.

I then realised that I still had a load of scaffold boards left over and I could probably just about make a decked area out of them to provide a nice space for BBQ'ing and outdoor dining. This tied in with replacing our ageing shed with a new one and eventually lead to fitting a smoked polycarbonate roof to keep the rain off as well. All of this was done by my own fair hands with a few tools and a lot of looking at youtube videos and talking to guys on sites for inspiration / advice.

As the project progressed we looked at getting rid of some of our lawn and introducing more paved / stoned areas which should be better in winter (the lawn usually gets too wet boggy due to the clay below). We added another raised boarded and introduced some nicer flowers to hopefully attract bees & butterfly's etc. And for a final touch I decided that it would be nice to hear the sounds of some water so I'm mid way through constructing a raised pond where we intend to have a few goldfish, plants and a fountain.

That's pretty much taken up a good chunk of my weekends and evenings lately but its been such a nice sense of achievement, sitting outside in the evening is now a real joy.....:D:D

[Zoidburg]

How it looked to start https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/31dedc9353aff73e0e1cd4f1d0d4e69d.jpg

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[Zoidburg]

Raised veg planter https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/a8bc113b98263d5308b8aedd62e93ef9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/50424e6a3a4127fb27b6d80ecbe8699c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/55a3cb5cb990d0b01764c9a0107a83d6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/f9005f45f2457d931de4888a1f19882d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/5edb3bbcfe4fcc210f56823f850435a7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/e27036d7e812c76dbc940e7ceb29f7a5.jpg

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[Zoidburg]

Building the planterhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/90d0cd1e9531f020c620f3074fdde1e0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/4c15069a9a6d2df026ef5f26c3485eff.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/124075f06f7778b9ec4e9a6a407b9df3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/b114a245c07d134ee003284375549bea.jpg

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[Zoidburg]

BBQ decked areahttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/0995d4090e068cb0d4b75006487a59e5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/ccf40062bfcf2ca7cccee46335ccbd9e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/b4565ccafc50bc541e89e4065c8bddd4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/f45c530e83e571f5dd3de096137a804a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/86bd6a4086e61e4d33309288484b5095.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/86e7af709bfc79756d2123d752896b29.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/6cc81417b63ec0dd7eae622ac15f2c4b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/7b6e1f5e33cbfd884f52eaf3c786abc1.jpg

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[Bigman80]

Very nice.

[Zoidburg]

Butternut squash, carotts, flowers etc https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/dc9c6056fbade5201e81bde6d77191a0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/aaf9f73b02db1b19236bf3d65c67b13b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/36fe2fccf59a3b970606f08077950bb1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/f68af96490f268bd7356fe50a1acb4fb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/053885a6de6db74551a77278b31fa973.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/cef3805fcd4efb7b1214785d4f7b1527.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/3b4c8eb1df887ce9220c85a6fc47e973.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/8c3efff18a14f99857434eec5b4a5d46.jpg

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[Zoidburg]

Still got some finishing off to do yet but overall I'm very pleased with it so far.

The pond probably needs a power supply to it for the pump but I think I may get it up and running with a solar one and see how we go.

I'm not 100% happy on the polycarbonate roof & think I need to remove it and adjust the overhang onto the shed roof (could do with another 50mm really I think).

Then we need to try and teach the dog to only p*ss on the stone and not the grass, id love a decent looking lawn but I suspect that that may be far harder than anything that's gone before......lol

[struth]

yup very nicely done. got a pond too, but no power there now. used to be pumped and filtered but changed it to country pond. i pump it out every now and then and refill. only 1 fish left; need to restock, but lots of amphibians. its a good idea to make a in/out point for them or if they go in they cant get out and drown

[Zoidburg]

yup very nicely done. got a pond too, but no power there now. used to be pumped and filtered but changed it to country pond. i pump it out every now and then and refill. only 1 fish left; need to restock, but lots of amphibians. its a good idea to make a in/out point for them or if they go in they cant get out and drown

TBH I probably need to give the pond a bit more thought before actually getting the liner in and filling it up...........

[guyhayton]

Really like the raised planter... that's given me something to think about for my back garden.
Well done mate

[Zoidburg]

Really like the raised planter... that's given me something to think about for my back garden.
Well done mateCheers mate,

Even for an idiot like me it wasn't to difficult. Let us know how you get on.

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[nutteronthebus]

I would love a garden like that at the moment it is a building site ( just had dumped 14 ton of topsoil for lawn) JCB and dumper truck to spread . They think it will be September by the time they finish



Dave

[Roy S]

Nice one. Any tips for keeping slugs at bay? (I used to have Hostas..)

[Zoidburg]

Nice one. Any tips for keeping slugs at bay? (I used to have Hostas..)I'm absolutely a totally novice gardener! But I've been told that a high planter makes it difficult for slugs. I've also placed some paper cups in the soil with beer in them to attract any. But I've not seen any so far. Which is good, maybe it's beginners luck!

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[Roy S]

I've also placed some paper cups in the soil with beer in them

So try and get them pished then? :D

[Zoidburg]

So try and get them pished then? :DYep!


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[struth]

Coffee grounds(rough) around your plants. And an added benefit is that they will leach nutrition into soil for better plants.

[Svend N]

Nice work Ben! I like the shed design, and the extended roof / sun shade. Integrating the shed into the deck is also an interesting touch....looks great.

I see you have a Weber smoker - good one! That reminds me to fire ours up soon, as it's been too long idle.

Enjoy!
Svend

[Zoidburg]

Nice work Ben! I like the shed design, and the extended roof / sun shade. Integrating the shed into the deck is also an interesting touch....looks great.

I see you have a Weber smoker - good one! That reminds me to fire ours up soon, as it's been too long idle.

Enjoy!
SvendGood spot dude, yep love the Webber. We probably cook on it 4 to 5 times a week on it throughout the summer. Just had a lovely grilled swordfish on it tonight[emoji39]

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[Svend N]

Sounds wonderful! And, yeah, those Weber bullets are great. I gave ours to father-in-law when we got our kamado ceramic smoker-grill. As terrific as the kamado is, I still miss the Weber. So versatile.

Have a great weekend in your new garden!

Svend

[Nobru]

Great work Ben! Lovely, really.
Did you upcycle some materials into this, like planks and such?

[Zoidburg]

Great work Ben! Lovely, really.
Did you upcycle some materials into this, like planks and such?Thanks mate, yes mate a lot of the decking and planter planks were upcycled.

I got the pond lined and filled last night so am off to the garden centre to look at pond plants and fish later! I've a solar pump/filter due to be delivered early next week as well.

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[Zoidburg]

Filled up the pond last night and am just sitting here admiring it. Bought a couple of oxegenating plants for it whilst out at a garden centre this morning. Can't wait to get a few fish in it now but need the pump / filter first.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180804/2576f645ed9627002211fa8760f64fba.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180804/a535ad69efa49f184231ef92928c7e82.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180804/4c7c0e099d26f22ef4983e9d5296b938.jpg

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[struth]

looks good... i used to have a big rectangular pond, and even had a waterfall feature, which recycled water, but filled it in and changed to a little country pond, which has now only 1 fish in plus frogs or toads... not sure which.

heres a pic of it when it was looking fairly new.

https://imageshack.com/a/img923/6806/tH6rgM.jpg

had to fence it off for grandkids, and never got round to removing it

[CageyH]

Sounds wonderful! And, yeah, those Weber bullets are great. I gave ours to father-in-law when we got our kamado ceramic smoker-grill. As terrific as the kamado is, I still miss the Weber. So versatile.

Have a great weekend in your new garden!

Svend

What is the advantage/difference from the Weber BBQ?
I have always fancied a smoker, but never tasted anything from one.

[Zoidburg]

What is the advantage/difference from the Weber BBQ?
I have always fancied a smoker, but never tasted anything from one.The Smokey mountain we have is v easy to get decent results from, set it up right and it will give you a good few hours stable cooking. You can vary how smokey or not u want your food of course and a lot of the time we just use it as a BBQ without any "smoke" at all.

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[Svend N]

The Smokey mountain we have is v easy to get decent results from, set it up right and it will give you a good few hours stable cooking. You can vary how smokey or not u want your food of course and a lot of the time we just use it as a BBQ without any "smoke" at all.

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As Ben says, the bullet is easy to use; kamado equally so. The differences between the two are...

- Weber costs less
- Weber weighs about 400lbs less, making it easy to move around; once you set up a kamado, you really won't be moving it much
- both can go low and slow for smoking or slow roasting; and both can grill at very high heat for a quick sear
- kamado needs less fussing when doing a long, all-day slow cook (e.g. a 10lb pork shoulder); typically I only need to rake the charcoal once during an 8 hr. cook; Weber needs more supervision and fussing, but no big deal really
- kamado uses less charcoal; the 1" thick walls really hold the heat; their air control imakes for a very efficient burn
- kamado is more stable in temp, but more difficult to correct if, say, it's too hot or too cool...those thick walls again; Weber responds faster

If you are inclined to try either a kamado or a Weber, there are entire forums dedicated to getting the most out of them. Read and follow their method guides and you'll have no problems with either.

Let us know if you go for it. Personally, I would never live without one now. Love it!

Hope this helps, but post back if you have more questions.

Svend

[hifinutt]

brilliant thread . love to see what folks do with gardens . thanks

[hifinutt]

can you come round and help me sort out this garden i am working on now ? !!! just demolished the shed and wondering how on earth to get rid of it all .

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/853/43496710342_d40de062a7_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29gE1zL)P1060249 (https://flic.kr/p/29gE1zL) by , on Flickr

[walpurgis]

Chuck it over the fence? It's what they'd do here.

[Zoidburg]

Chuck it over the fence? It's what they'd do here.Lol. I had many many trips to the dump. Thankfully it's less than a 10 minutes drive and I have a big boot too.

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[hifinutt]

ha ... might have a few dozen romanians , libyans etc on my door step if i chucked it over :lol:

[nutteronthebus]

this is my new shed/mancave half built at the moment


Dave

[Zoidburg]

That looks great, it's probably as big as my entire ground floor! What do you have planned for it?

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[struth]

Heres that bungalow right way round

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180811/4ea7bcae18344b1986c10811726749ca.jpg

[Zoidburg]

Finished the pond off with a bit of decking to the perimeter this morning.

Just sitting here in the sort of overcast sun enjoying the sound of running water from the fountain. It's actually bloody lovely.

Few more chores to do out here then I intend to reward myself with a pint. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180811/ffc768c30d5cdc8737e96b4e34fa5739.jpg

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[struth]

looks great..

[Zoidburg]

looks great..Cheers Grant, I'm well pleased with how it's come together in the end.

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[struth]

gonna be a lovely place to sit listening to the water...used to enjoy that.

[nutteronthebus]

Hi-Fi room with shower , sauna, Kitchen. This is for my Quads ( 44,306,FM4,ESL-57 and Garrard 401/SME3009 )away from SHMBO

[Svend N]

Finished the pond off with a bit of decking to the perimeter this morning.

Just sitting here in the sort of overcast sun enjoying the sound of running water from the fountain. It's actually bloody lovely.

Few more chores to do out here then I intend to reward myself with a pint. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180811/ffc768c30d5cdc8737e96b4e34fa5739.jpg

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Fire up that Weber, pop a cold one, and put your feet up! Nice job. Looks wonderful. So inviting and peaceful looking.... Enjoy!

[hifinutt]

Heres that bungalow right way round

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180811/4ea7bcae18344b1986c10811726749ca.jpg

brilliant , looks a masterpiece

[Zoidburg]

Sitting out by the pond earlier and this magnificent dragonfly swooped down and circled the pond.

I've never seen one in the garden before so I'm super happy about it, must be the allure of the pond! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180818/91a9b046d46f7269d0a513fe49612eac.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180818/b2bf02e61f9c5a687b7ddfa4fbb21d78.jpg

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[struth]

Could be a southern hawker

[Zoidburg]

Yeah been told it's a southern hawker.

Hope we get a few more now.
Could be a southern hawker

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[mikmas]

Sitting out by the pond earlier and this magnificent dragonfly swooped down and circled the pond.


We usually get quite a few hovering about but haven't seen one yet this year :(

Absolutely fantastic job with the garden - looks a real treat to be in - well done !! :)

[Zoidburg]

We usually get quite a few hovering about but haven't seen one yet this year :(

Absolutely fantastic job with the garden - looks a real treat to be in - well done !! :)Cheers dude!



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[Zoidburg]

I've had to "upgrade" the pond pump / filter this week as the solar one just wasn't cutting it. Its my own fault as I had been told it would be enough. Anyway I now have a new all singling / all dancing pump/filter with built in UV light to keep the pond clean.

This means that I now need to bring 240v power out to the pond which is an expense I was hoping to avoid. Anyway since I now need power it means I can put in a few double sockets in the shed and a light and even think about some outdoor speakers / music too.......:D:D:D

[struth]

I've had to "upgrade" the pond pump / filter this week as the solar one just wasn't cutting it. Its my own fault as I had been told it would be enough. Anyway I now have a new all singling / all dancing pump/filter with built in UV light to keep the pond clean.

This means that I now need to bring 240v power out to the pond which is an expense I was hoping to avoid. Anyway since I now need power it means I can put in a few double sockets in the shed and a light and even think about some outdoor speakers / music too.......:D:D:D

thats what i did, although the other was round. i started it for shed, and it grew from there. i happened on some armoured cable and dug a trench, laying it to shed and a fusebox there, then onwards. i used the cooker point in house as it was nearest and i didnt use it. still working fine today, although the pond stuff has been disconnected now.
having power in garden opens a whle new vista ben.:) as you say, music is one of them

[Zoidburg]

Greenhouse arrived last week and I've been trying to assemble it. A lot of head scratching, swearing and wanting to throw it over the fence and finally I think I might be ready to glaze it!!

I've also added to the BBQ shelter so it's a bit more winter proof hopefully. More to do still but it's getting there.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180924/8cd0b3a5aa72071f478e09a57206e0f6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180924/ed2c396b7114701098f3997374270ec0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180924/1491b03c001d46b80f48c3950e0e9ca4.jpg

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[walpurgis]

Looks like you're doing OK to me. It should be rewarding once you've finished it.

[Zoidburg]

Looks like you're doing OK to me. It should be rewarding once you've finished it.Cheers mate,

I got a few bits wrong which added a few hours to the process going back unscrewing parts & changing them etc. The instructions were basic to say the least!

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[struth]

Greenhouse arrived last week and I've been trying to assemble it. A lot of head scratching, swearing and wanting to throw it over the fence and finally I think I might be ready to glaze it!!

I've also added to the BBQ shelter so it's a bit more winter proof hopefully. More to do still but it's getting there.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180924/8cd0b3a5aa72071f478e09a57206e0f6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180924/ed2c396b7114701098f3997374270ec0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180924/1491b03c001d46b80f48c3950e0e9ca4.jpg

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they will do that to u....:lol: try one 3 times that size :doh: i never wanted to burn metal more

[Zoidburg]

Spent another 2 hours messing about with the frame last night. Got the door and roof opener assembled and installed then realised that the rear gable had several sections bolted together back to front and so I had to remove them and re-install. At least twice I had to take a deep breath and control myself after the crappy bolts threaded and had to be cut off.

BUT I'm now 100% certain its all together as it should be and I'm happy with it. I got most of the glazing beads fitted last night before it got to murky and hopefully tonight depending on what time I get in, i'l actually get some glass in it!!!

[Oddball]

https://i.imgur.com/tUMkyHLh.jpg;)

[Zoidburg]

Greenhouse finally finished. Once the fiddly frame was sorted the glazing was thankfully pretty easy & relatively quick.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180928/5385ed2c88b048af887826a0d434d86c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180928/2ce3ce0dd6227532272a8ca4d0654662.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180928/7ed97e8033712f843502971465bdf74e.jpg

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[Ian7633]

https://i.imgur.com/tUMkyHLh.jpg;)

I know it's work to you Anto but it does look beautiful.

[Oddball]

I know it's work to you Anto but it does look beautiful.

Thanks Ian . Thought after I posted that ,it may come over as a bit annoying to some , but you got my sentiment !!!

[hifilover]

Ours, as it stands currently:

https://i.postimg.cc/fLSj7TjT/IMG_20181001_120519.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ygBZsKbw)

Herbs into swede, chard/spinach, carrots and leeks as you look down the LHS towards the greenhouse (nowt in there now bar parsley and the Pinot grape vine). Bottom is x2 apple trees, x2 pear trees and strawberries. Up the right is more carrots, parsnips, springs onions, beetroot, kale and purple sprouting broccoli (you can't see that as it's cut off by the back of the garage); that's next Springs crop ;)

The grass got it's last cut of the year on Friday; just took the tops off as I'd fed it the week before with a seaweed mulch which the cat loves rolling in :lol:

The woods are slowly being cleared behind the greenhouse/trellis fence; the single huge tree at the back of the greenhouse comes down on Wednesday and over winter I'll be sorting a pen & chicken penthouse out for x4 chickens in the Spring time ;)

All the neighbours back gardens go 25ft into the woods further than ours does currently, so I'm slowly catching them up ;)

[Zoidburg]

Ours, as it stands currently:

https://i.postimg.cc/fLSj7TjT/IMG_20181001_120519.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ygBZsKbw)

Herbs into swede, chard/spinach, carrots and leeks as you look down the LHS towards the greenhouse (nowt in there now bar parsley and the Pinot grape vine). Bottom is x2 apple trees, x2 pear trees and strawberries. Up the right is more carrots, parsnips, springs onions, beetroot, kale and purple sprouting broccoli (you can't see that as it's cut off by the back of the garage); that's next Springs crop ;)

The grass got it's last cut of the year on Friday; just took the tops off as I'd fed it the week before with a seaweed mulch which the cat loves rolling in [emoji38]

The woods are slowly being cleared behind the greenhouse/trellis fence; the single huge tree at the back of the greenhouse comes down on Wednesday and over winter I'll be sorting a pen & chicken penthouse out for x4 chickens in the Spring time ;)

All the neighbours back gardens go 25ft into the woods further than ours does currently, so I'm slowly catching them up ;)That looks great!

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[hifilover]

That looks great!

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Thanks; it's my main passion after training/cars and lifting stupidly heavy things :D

I try to grow as much as our veg as possible; the only things I don't grow are onions and garlic as I can't be arsed with all the drying off malarky :lol: Spuds are grown in huge tubs at the back of the garage; saves having to faff with crop rotation then as some veg I'll plant in 1/2/3 yields and stagger the growth to get longevity out of them

The root veg are all in the ground right through the year, over winter and into the following year etc; rather that than picking and storing etc

[Zoidburg]

Thanks; it's my main passion after training/cars and lifting stupidly heavy things :D

I try to grow as much as our veg as possible; the only things I don't grow are onions and garlic as I can't be arsed with all the drying off malarky :lol: Spuds are grown in huge tubs at the back of the garage; saves having to faff with crop rotation then as some veg I'll plant in 1/2/3 yields and stagger the growth to get longevity out of them

The root veg are all in the ground right through the year, over winter and into the following year etc; rather that than picking and storing etc

Id love a garden as big as yours, and if I had the room a couple of chickens but for now theres no room for them unfortunately.

This has been our first year growing stuff and we've had loads of courgettes, butternut squash, spring onions, carrots and a few beetroots too. Even though I don't generally eat as much veg as I should its been lovely and ive really enjoyed it. Its lovely watching things grow, chilling out in the garden watering stuff of an evening etc etc

I built a 750 x 750 x 750 raised planter for just potatoes so we have them in at the moment. I just need to read up on what else we can run through the winter now before cracking on with peppers, tomato's, chilli's etc in the greenhouse next spring.

[hifilover]

Id love a garden as big as yours, and if I had the room a couple of chickens but for now theres no room for them unfortunately.

This has been our first year growing stuff and we've had loads of courgettes, butternut squash, spring onions, carrots and a few beetroots too. Even though I don't generally eat as much veg as I should its been lovely and ive really enjoyed it. Its lovely watching things grow, chilling out in the garden watering stuff of an evening etc etc

I built a 750 x 750 x 750 raised planter for just potatoes so we have them in at the moment. I just need to read up on what else we can run through the winter now before cracking on with peppers, tomato's, chilli's etc in the greenhouse next spring.

That's it; it's all about using the space well and timely etc

You'll struggle to grow stuff now really; if you can though, chard and spinach will grow under a cloche/glass/greenhouse/conservatory etc and can be planted into bigger pots when it gets stronger

[Zoidburg]

That's it; it's all about using the space well and timely etc

You'll struggle to grow stuff now really; if you can though, chard and spinach will grow under a cloche/glass/greenhouse/conservatory etc and can be planted into bigger pots when it gets stronger

Right, Il give spinach & chard a go in the greenhouse then!

cheers

[hifilover]

Right, Il give spinach & chard a go in the greenhouse then!

cheers

It'll grow well in a simple compost in either a big tub or trough

Sow quite a few seeds; too many really and then thin out to 75%

As long as its warm; they'll soon germinate and grow well :)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Fothergills-Pictorial-Packet-Vegetable/dp/B00GZ8EEBW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538399065&sr=8-3&keywords=chard+seeds

https://www.amazon.co.uk/VEGETABLE-SPINACH-PERPETUAL-GRAM-SEEDS/dp/B00EB7ODHO/ref=pd_sbs_86_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00EB7ODHO&pd_rd_r=8869b192-c57a-11e8-aa09-7dab7e91bcea&pd_rd_w=OZBGL&pd_rd_wg=dnssq&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=85d62760-2a0e-407d-aa36-f3c03afc01c3&pf_rd_r=BMMESSCARFB1K1B6YTFW&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=BMMESSCARFB1K1B6YTFW

I found these seeds to be the best

[Oddball]

Leaf beet is similar to Swiss Chard . Very similar seed to sugar beet and related I expect . (I let my Chard go to seed and kept the seed when it was mature) . It will provide greenery all through the winter depending on frosts

[Zoidburg]

It'll grow well in a simple compost in either a big tub or trough

Sow quite a few seeds; too many really and then thin out to 75%

As long as its warm; they'll soon germinate and grow well :)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Fothergills-Pictorial-Packet-Vegetable/dp/B00GZ8EEBW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538399065&sr=8-3&keywords=chard+seeds

https://www.amazon.co.uk/VEGETABLE-SPINACH-PERPETUAL-GRAM-SEEDS/dp/B00EB7ODHO/ref=pd_sbs_86_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00EB7ODHO&pd_rd_r=8869b192-c57a-11e8-aa09-7dab7e91bcea&pd_rd_w=OZBGL&pd_rd_wg=dnssq&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=85d62760-2a0e-407d-aa36-f3c03afc01c3&pf_rd_r=BMMESSCARFB1K1B6YTFW&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=BMMESSCARFB1K1B6YTFW

I found these seeds to be the best

Cheers for that, Ive just bought a couple of packs and will get the planted at the weekend :)

[Zoidburg]

First signs of the spinach sprouting! Very pleased with them so far. The chard are even smaller but I can just see them coming through.

The wife has also planted some garlic as well which seems to be coming along nicely https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181013/895d1e7bf1f1ce7a70aae1d2a157352e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181013/c49f56482f30bc9e0870aa8cb07e5641.jpg

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[Zoidburg]

Little update on the BBQ shelter.

I've now "winterised" it a bit so it's still usable even in this bleak, colder weather. A water proof heavy duty canvas sheet keeps a lot of the wind out and with a log burner set up it's lovely and cosy still.

I finally bit the bullet and had an armoured cable routed from the house to a dis board in the shed so we now have lighting & power to both the shed and bbq area.

That's allowed me to install a pair of cheap outdoor speakers fed from an smsl amp / DAC & blue ray player.

I've moved an old lkea sofa out there as well and it's actually really pleasant to sit with a bit of music a fire and bbqing food.

I even set up a cheap led projector & screen for a perfect Halloween pop up cinema. Theatre of blood starring Vincent price was bloody brilliant! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/709a9d3f29102a7ade2e1d7edf61edb6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/8ca386341157b7f99ed1e7c19ebb2ef0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/dc3ba22928839fed775240271492fd3f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/0617df2230a402fd1a75ec30d8a6c557.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/475c40647aa3435226aaf13dca44119f.jpg

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[Svend N]

Ben - the Man Cave is coming along nicely! Great job. That thing in the second picture with the chimney (under the cover) -- is that another smoker? You also have a Weber Smoky Mtn, no?

It's interesting to see pics of garden designs over there. Quite different from how people do it here. I like it, and am taking mental notes for our forthcoming garden redesign.

Best,
Svend

[Zoidburg]

Ben - the Man Cave is coming along nicely! Great job. That thing in the second picture with the chimney (under the cover) -- is that another smoker? You also have a Weber Smoky Mtn, no?

It's interesting to see pics of garden designs over there. Quite different from how people do it here. I like it, and am taking mental notes for our forthcoming garden redesign.

Best,
Svend

Hi Sven,

Thanks for the comments mate, pretty pleased with it all told.

Yes we Have a Smokey Mountain which we use a great deal and is a really versatile bit of kit that we have had for about 3 years now. We also have a pizza oven type bbq and a smaller rotisserie stle one as well. The Pizza oven is great for well pizza's and calzones and roasts. The rotisserie was bought on a whim and has only been used a handful of times. My wife is now obsessed with getting a large Webber Kettle which she insists will be a brillian "all rounder" and we can then get ride of at least 1 or 2 of the others but I know her it, she refuses to get rid of anything!!

[Zoidburg]

Here's the pizza oven in all its glory! It was a cheap introduction to bbqing before we knew any better but still gets a lot of summer use.

What are you cooking on over in canada then? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/499c9ddf2cabc2c8f8b07b1c334f2268.jpg

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[Svend N]

Looks good Ben! You're really into the bbq/grilling thing. Nice!

We have two main grills -- a 13 year old Weber Genesis grill that runs off the natural gas line to the house (no propane tanks to fill!); and a ceramic charcoal smoker grill (similar to the Big Green Egg, if you're familiar). The latter is a Japanese kamado design and is a really fantastic thing. We use it for smoking, slow roasting, and occasional high temp grilling.

The Weber is our daily driver - it sits (along with the Kamado) on a small side deck right off the kitchen, literally four steps away from the kitchen stove. We can have stuff going on the stove and grill at the same time, and it becomes just an extension of the kitchen.

We grill rain or shine and all winter long...just shovel the snow off the deck and we're in business.

Also, when we want a really good steak I pull out a little Weber Smoky Joe portable charcoal grill. It puts the meat within inches of the glowing coals and gives a perfect sear...nothing like it when we have a nice ribeye or T-bone on the menu.

If you want a single replacement for your Weber smoker and pizza oven and kettle grill, then take a serious look at a good ceramic Kamado like the Big Green Egg (if they're available over there). They can do it all. I dare say smoking and slow roasting is probably easier than in your Weber - once it comes up to temp and the vents are set, then it will hold steady all day with no fussing, with maybe only one quick intervention to rake the coals and maybe add a few more. The walls are 1-1/4 inch thick ceramic and really retain the heat. They are fantastic. Highly recommended.

Svend

Edit: the Egg is indeed sold in the UK: https://www.biggreenegg.co.uk

[Zoidburg]

Looks good Ben! You're really into the bbq/grilling thing. Nice!

We have two main grills -- a 13 year old Weber Genesis grill that runs off the natural gas line to the house (no propane tanks to fill!); and a ceramic charcoal smoker grill (similar to the Big Green Egg, if you're familiar). The latter is a Japanese kamado design and is a really fantastic thing. We use it for smoking, slow roasting, and occasional high temp grilling.

The Weber is our daily driver - it sits (along with the Kamado) on a small side deck right off the kitchen, literally four steps away from the kitchen stove. We can have stuff going on the stove and grill at the same time, and it becomes just an extension of the kitchen.

We grill rain or shine and all winter long...just shovel the snow off the deck and we're in business.

Also, when we want a really good steak I pull out a little Weber Smoky Joe portable charcoal grill. It puts the meat within inches of the glowing coals and gives a perfect sear...nothing like it when we have a nice ribeye or T-bone on the menu.

If you want a single replacement for your Weber smoker and pizza oven and kettle grill, then take a serious look at a good ceramic Kamado like the Big Green Egg (if they're available over there). They can do it all. I dare say smoking and slow roasting is probably easier than in your Weber - once it comes up to temp and the vents are set, then it will hold steady all day with no fussing, with maybe only one quick intervention to rake the coals and maybe add a few more. The walls are 1-1/4 inch thick ceramic and really retain the heat. They are fantastic. Highly recommended.

Svend

Edit: the Egg is indeed sold in the UK: https://www.biggreenegg.co.uk

That sounds great Svend,

You sound very similar to us in terms of a love of cooking outside. We do it as much as we can especially anything to steak related!!

Within the last few weeks we have had some absolutely delicious Mutton chops, Pulled Pork, short ribs and various steaks & whatnot. My wife is a former restaurant chef who now manages a college canteen and so she has a huge passion for anything food & drink related which has worn off a lot on me thankfully!

I'm aware of the Big green egg style smokers, they look great and get a lot of very positive reviews but are quite expensive over here.

[Zoidburg]

Some recent BBQ related stuff we have cooked.


Brisket looks a bit dry but was lovely and moist.

The photos don't really do it all justice but I can assure you it tasted amazing.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/fc4dc08659e55cfaf5877a8d86c8725a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/10e8cd0e4b2c4159c388ab5ca0bedf5c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/d3315e3e630c355fe67a2fc87da97eeb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/cf3b5d0cddd0840cb98765296b07b1ad.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/efa64e1e5699a3deea04fc48ea84aea5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/b40354b5bc92334de76775b56bbe734d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/114734973251db5fec7a6b0fc337db14.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/93f9d10f55161fe52f9c0e5e94ff993e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181122/0bfe0b43bb58becb2ffc892a29ab82a8.jpg

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[Svend N]

The food looks fantastic Ben! If one didn't know where you were, you'd think it was the southern US -- they are crazy for brisket, pulled pork and such down there. Good one! I like the pic with your shoe in it -- imagine that just out of view is a pint of cold beer :cool:

Since you like pork shoulder, try Mexican or Puerto Rican pork sometime -- it's an overnight marinade in spicy wet rub, then a long slow cook the next day. Delicious! Or try an Italian porchetta roast using shoulder or pork belly -- tastes amazing from the smoker!

Yes, the green eggs are expensive, but it's a lifetime investment. It will never rust or otherwise wear out. Very economical on charcoal use as well- about 1/3 what a regular grill uses - so you're at least saving a bit there. There are less expensive ones available -- ours is made by Vision Grills, and was about 30% less than the Green Egg. All stainless parts and hard ceramic, so very well made. Primo Grills are supposed to be good as well.

[Zoidburg]

The food looks fantastic Ben! If one didn't know where you were, you'd think it was the southern US -- they are crazy for brisket, pulled pork and such down there. Good one! I like the pic with your shoe in it -- imagine that just out of view is a pint of cold beer :cool:

Since you like pork shoulder, try Mexican or Puerto Rican pork sometime -- it's an overnight marinade in spicy wet rub, then a long slow cook the next day. Delicious! Or try an Italian porchetta roast using shoulder or pork belly -- tastes amazing from the smoker!

Yes, the green eggs are expensive, but it's a lifetime investment. It will never rust or otherwise wear out. Very economical on charcoal use as well- about 1/3 what a regular grill uses - so you're at least saving a bit there. There are less expensive ones available -- ours is made by Vision Grills, and was about 30% less than the Green Egg. All stainless parts and hard ceramic, so very well made. Primo Grills are supposed to be good as well.

Thanks Svend,

I think there has been a bit of a "low & Slow" BBQ explosion over here over the last few years with a lot of the inspiration coming from the southern American BBQ chefs. When I was a kid it was only ever burnt burgers & sausages on the BBQ, its come a long way since then!!

I will definitely look up your recommendations, we are always on the look out for new stuff to try. I'm currently on the look out for something interesting for our Xmas dinner cook, we usually go with beef but fancy a change this year.

[Svend N]

Well, if you were to ask a Canadian or American what to cook at Thanksgiving or Christmas, then the answer is almost always "Turkey!". Which comes out wonderfully in the smoker, by the way :). Much more moist than in a regular kitchen oven.

How about duck or goose? I've got those on my list of things to try in the kamado, but haven't gotten to one yet. Porchetta roast can be made into a very nice meal, if done right. I'd bet crown roast of pork or lamb would make a classy Christmas dinner too.

Damn, I'm getting hungry here! Isn't it lunchtime yet? :)

[Zoidburg]

Well, if you were to ask a Canadian or American what to cook at Thanksgiving or Christmas, then the answer is almost always "Turkey!". Which comes out wonderfully in the smoker, by the way :). Much more moist than in a regular kitchen oven.

How about duck or goose? I've got those on my list of things to try in the kamado, but haven't gotten to one yet. Porchetta roast can be made into a very nice meal, if done right. I'd bet crown roast of pork or lamb would make a classy Christmas dinner too.

Damn, I'm getting hungry here! Isn't it lunchtime yet? :)

Actually I'm pretty sure we had smoked Turkey a few years ago, from memory it was brined for 24 hours before cooking and was as you say lovely & moist.

Lamb is my current favourite so that's a definite possibility, Duck as well would make a superb option!!

Its 5pm here so some way off dinner time unfortunately but I might just go check the fridge for a snack!

[Svend N]

Cheers to that! I'm sure whatever you choose it will turn out great.

I can tell you, if I were married to a chef I'd weigh 300 pounds. :eek:

BTW, our thanksgiving holiday was back in October, but we have American friends arriving today for the weekend, and of course it's their thanksgiving now so I'm roasting another turkey in the egg on Saturday. Can't wait for another feast :)

[Zoidburg]

Cheers to that! I'm sure whatever you choose it will turn out great.

I can tell you, if I were married to a chef I'd weigh 300 pounds. :eek:

BTW, our thanksgiving holiday was back in October, but we have American friends arriving today for the weekend, and of course it's their thanksgiving now so I'm roasting another turkey in the egg on Saturday. Can't wait for another feast :)I almost do weigh 300lbs!!!!



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[Svend N]

I almost do weigh 300lbs!!!!





:eek:

Resist! You must resist! :)

....and in the darkened kitchen, Ben's wife whispers to herself with an evil laugh "Resistance is futile!"

:D

[Zoidburg]

:eek:

Resist! You must resist! :)

....and in the darkened kitchen, Ben's wife whispers to herself with an evil laugh "Resistance is futile!"

:D[emoji16][emoji16][emoji16][emoji16][emoji16][emoji16][emoji16]

Just sparked up the wsm again, tonight it's chicken breasts stuffed with cheese & wrapped in bacon. With a squash, potato & veg bake with a manchego cheese topping. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181125/7f5499b39827be0e955ce0a3b729dbff.jpg

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[Svend N]

Sounds fantastic! Your dog looks quite content hanging around the warm smoker too :) Happy smile.

And here on this side of the Atlantic I'm about to brush the snow off the kamado and light it up for a turkey roast. My wife insists on a stuffing and wants the drippings for gravy, so no smoking for this bird -- just slow roasting at lowish temp. (~300 deg.). Will still get a hint of smoky flavour from the charcoal. Should be good...

Enjoy!

[Zoidburg]

Sounds fantastic! Your dog looks quite content hanging around the warm smoker too :) Happy smile.

And here on this side of the Atlantic I'm about to brush the snow off the kamado and light it up for a turkey roast. My wife insists on a stuffing and wants the drippings for gravy, so no smoking for this bird -- just slow roasting at lowish temp. (~300 deg.). Will still get a hint of smoky flavour from the charcoal. Should be good...

Enjoy!That sounds lovely, I hope you have a lovely evening dude.

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[Svend N]

That sounds lovely, I hope you have a lovely evening dude.

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Thanks Ben. And you also...have a good evening.

Sometime soon I will set up a Flickr account and post a few pics. No time today - got a fire to tend :)

[Zoidburg]

Thanks Ben. And you also...have a good evening.

Sometime soon I will set up a Flickr account and post a few pics. No time today - got a fire to tend :)Good stuff, I'd be interested to see a few pix of your set up.

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[Ian7633]

Your woofer looks so happy to be there Ben, gorgeous dog

[RobbieGong]

Your woofer looks so happy to be there Ben, gorgeous dog

Yep, that is one healthy looking dog.

That torso and neck :eek: Does he do weights ? :eek: :D

[Zoidburg]

Your woofer looks so happy to be there Ben, gorgeous dogCheers Ian[emoji16]

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[Zoidburg]

Yep, that is one healthy looking dog.

That torso and neck :eek: Does he do weights ? :eek: :D[emoji16] thanks Robbie,

He's about 20kg usually which is about right for a Staffy I think. We have to keep an eye on his weight as he has arthritis is his front right elbow & a titanium plate in his back right leg where his crutiate went a few years ago.

He's basically a bionic dog now (& a very expensive one at that!!), We have to watch his diet as he struggles with walking more than 35 mins at a time without causing various limps.

But he's still very happy, especially if there's a fire of some sort or the chance of some BBQ scraps.



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[Zoidburg]

Also that earlier photo definitely adds a few lbs to him, in some lights hes almost "slim" [emoji23][emoji23]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181126/a3935bf2af670d8b3a4c66ea167f03dc.jpg

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[RobbieGong]

Looks a very happy chappy :)

[Zoidburg]

Got plenty of stuff on the go in the garden already this year, full credit to the wife as she's don't the bulk of the work[emoji16]

Various peppers & chilli's in the green house along with tomatoes too.

Potatoes are looking good and we have a separate bag for carrots too. Elsewhere we have broccoli and some squashes too.

Hoping for a good crop this year. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190504/73aa3f334aced2a1d963e5cb6529c30b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190504/b18b900446237bc9be567c3f4b86a1e0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190504/989fe4c9a15cb3fab314c5a347527d08.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190504/7ca7a0811845ed3044efe7f9a4f18fd2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190504/d867b915170959215045243bd90cd5a5.jpg

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[Ian7633]

Also that earlier photo definitely adds a few lbs to him, in some lights hes almost "slim" [emoji23][emoji23]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181126/a3935bf2af670d8b3a4c66ea167f03dc.jpg

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He does look like a really happy chap, I just feel sorry for the cyclist he ate.....

[Zoidburg]

Plenty going on in the garden over the last few weeks, broccoli, peas and beans especially seem to be going great guns. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190608/4c9146785286dc633f7664a4f39572c9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190608/758036d530cc498603ce54a35fc812f3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190608/cb1afe969438d5d82164825241bbc694.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190608/32ead2a52d792dbb1c567e7f8bf1ee4b.jpg

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[Haselsh1]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48037338688_2eb9cec1e7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gbTVco)Poppy Buds 2019 (https://flic.kr/p/2gbTVco) by Shaun Haselden (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156648964@N02/), on Flickr

OK so not strictly my garden but Sue's garden. All sorts growing all over but lots of veggies. I love the poppies she has growing.

[perlogalism]

Nicely done Shaun :thumbsup:

[Haselsh1]

Nicely done Shaun :thumbsup:

Cheers Mike. Love the overcast dull light we've had for a week or so now; only joking but it does give nice photo's. I reckon Sue is secretly harvesting poppies for heroin production she has that bloody many.

;)

[Zoidburg]

Harvested a few nice looking bits this morning, peas, beans & broccoli.

The wife also decided to repurpose an old bike helmet as a planter [emoji16]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190623/eba11bac9ca8fcb39591f8665956b547.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190623/cb8ac2258a0938a9a7241446ef13228f.jpg

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[Zoidburg]

Finally seemto be getting some peppers coming through which I'm V happy about. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190708/71e5521e64852d5dd5a55ed91c049549.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190708/f013408629a87bcca5e4756d7a6a7930.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190708/253319703b563ef319ded9113bbd8e02.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190708/dea611ac268f80e4ab1d8a93ab9c9b2c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190708/7def2c73dbdb22afb369bd229f0c967c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190708/a88a61b36c966ad6b049282d292b1fc9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190708/f5cb334fd0f1d7b5ca17f1d0c3a80590.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190708/7ff0556006cbecfc1c2c4c76f9795171.jpg

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[hifinutt]

some lovely pics there ben

[Zoidburg]

some lovely pics there benCheers dude,

I've been impressed with the purple sprouting broccoli we've had do far, it's been really tasty and that's coming from someone whos not usually a fan of greens.

Anyway here's a few more shots taken this morning of the peppers and tomatoes. No idea when they will be ready but looking forward to trying them when they are.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190721/ad8ecf1c1ef8e103616d2020087bd65a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190721/7d3fb28da5a6ccee9f26c31324cb6d61.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190721/3cc27fd67c8712d61bcfcc8c8bb326be.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190721/e633838b7c2c6d2a0071691605ceae4a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190721/826a52cfd90f213c7de9e7942c5b069a.jpg

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[Zoidburg]

Looks like we're having potatoes for dinner tonight. Not a huge haul but more than enough fir a dinner or 2. We have 2 other varieties still in so will leave them a bit longer yet and see how they go. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190721/9c5b6939a2fc4e116ae9e8bc17375b29.jpg

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[Zoidburg]

And some broad beans as well [emoji16]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190721/8bcf8e4ddeb6bcad722513bc3cf43a17.jpg

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[Ian7633]

Looks like we're having potatoes for dinner tonight. Not a huge haul but more than enough fir a dinner or 2. We have 2 other varieties still in so will leave them a bit longer yet and see how they go. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190721/9c5b6939a2fc4e116ae9e8bc17375b29.jpg

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Fresh potatoes from the garden taste amazing. My step father was a keen veg gardener and potatoes were his accidental speciality. He tried many varieties of seed potatoes with mixed results but he hit gold with some spuds from work just sold as baking potatoes. He bought a split bag home and quite a few were already sprouting so in the ground they went. He would dig up enough for dinner and it would usually be earth to plate in less than an hour. Best potatoes I've ever tasted.

[crimsondonkey]

Lovely pics of peoples gardens on this thread, thanks for sharing.

[Clive]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48339121662_991ad84d39_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gDyCL7)IMG_20190622_203249_0 (https://flic.kr/p/2gDyCL7) by Clive M (https://www.flickr.com/photos/132168588@N08/), on Flickr

The lawn needed a good mow...which it's since had.

The wife does the skilled stuff, I do the labouring - though I do come up with ideas too.

[Batty]

Some pics of my BBQs and smokers. Started out with a baby smoker, once I learned how to use it I gave it tou our son, the made giant kebabs on the spit roast and finally move on to a real big BBQ, dual fuel and smoke plus a wok burner at the other end to the smoke box.
The BBQ weighs 94Kg and is almost 2m long.

264222642326424

[Pigmy Pony]

Got plenty of stuff on the go in the garden already this year, full credit to the wife as she's don't the bulk of the work[emoji16]

Various peppers & chilli's in the green house along with tomatoes too.

Potatoes are looking good and we have a separate bag for carrots too. Elsewhere we have broccoli and some squashes too.

Hoping for a good crop this year. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190504/73aa3f334aced2a1d963e5cb6529c30b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190504/b18b900446237bc9be567c3f4b86a1e0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190504/989fe4c9a15cb3fab314c5a347527d08.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190504/7ca7a0811845ed3044efe7f9a4f18fd2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190504/d867b915170959215045243bd90cd5a5.jpg

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That big planter you made seems to be working out well. I fancy doing something like that myself :)

[Zoidburg]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48339121662_991ad84d39_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gDyCL7)IMG_20190622_203249_0 (https://flic.kr/p/2gDyCL7) by Clive M (https://www.flickr.com/photos/132168588@N08/), on Flickr

The lawn needed a good mow...which it's since had.

The wife does the skilled stuff, I do the labouring - though I do come up with ideas too.That looks lovely Clive.

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[hifinutt]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48339121662_991ad84d39_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gDyCL7)IMG_20190622_203249_0 (https://flic.kr/p/2gDyCL7) by Clive M (https://www.flickr.com/photos/132168588@N08/), on Flickr

The lawn needed a good mow...which it's since had.

The wife does the skilled stuff, I do the labouring - though I do come up with ideas too.

Fantastic garden .. what an oasis

[stairpost]

And some broad beans as well [emoji16]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190721/8bcf8e4ddeb6bcad722513bc3cf43a17.jpg

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Nice Opinel. I lost my old wooden one, so I've just bought one of the new plastic models with the half serrated blade. It's a brilliant all rounder.