Work commences

I was down on the site nice and early this morning to start work on the plot. It took me about 40 minutes to mark out with stakes and string where the raised beds and paths are going and i've ended up with six 3m by 3m beds plus enough space for a large double compost bin, a good sized shed with a small 'patio' and a few small fruit trees.

Ove the weekend I was offered the use of a rotavator to help clearing the rest of the plot and break up the soil a bit, but luckily I thought I had better have a bit of a dig to see exactly what was there first. I dug to 2 spade depths a 1m by 1m area and found enough rubber backed carpet to start an Oxford branch of Carpetright and almost a wheelbarrow full of bindweed, but at least it's now clear. If the rest of the plot is like this small area then i've got about 150 hours work, but it will be worth it as the soil looks good.

As i'm now off to Melbourne for the F1 Grand Prix next weekend I have covered up 2 of the future beds with weed proof membrane to try to make things a bit easier on my return.

and so it begins

This morning I took control of my plot down at Cowmead for the first time. Oxford City council have cleared (sortof) the unused part of the site over the past couple of days so I can now move in and start work.
I have quite ambitious plans for the plot which will be revealed over the course of the season, but first thing is to get it all levelled and some paths marked out along the boundary. Hopefully I will get this done over the next couple of weeks. I think that i've found a source for bulk well rotted manure from a local stable so that should arrive when I get back from Australia in a couple of weeks.
I will get some photos of the plot posted to show the work in progress and feel free to pass comment, good, constructive or even bad.