Additions to our gardening family and the new poly-tunnel takes shape!

This week we had to cordon off two areas of the garden as eggs have hatched in two nests! 

We have a family of robins and a family of thrushes being raised in the centre of our garden :)


A lot of progress has also been made with the poly-tunnel classroom.  Wooden batons were attached all round the bottom...

...and "hotspot tape" was put over each pole.

This prevents the metal warming up and wearing holes in the polythene.

Talking of polythene, we had a very large roll to cope with!

A bit difficult in the breeze, but the sun was shining so we really wanted to get on with it.

We attached one side...

...then recruited some help to get the whole thing taught before nailing batons on the other side.

Thanks to Rhian and Jamie who came to our rescue for an hour to help! :)

The trick for getting the polythene "drum tight" is to raise the base rails before attaching it then loosen them off and stand on them to lower them which stretches the covert tight before re-tightening the bolts.

Ta-da!  Next we need to make the doors!

Meanwhile on Monday the S3 class worked with the S1 class outside the garden so as not to disturb the birds. 

They had a production line going - newspaper went in one end and got turned into mini pots.

These were then filled with soil and planted up with seedlings from our seed trays.

We have lots more seedlings to prick out waiting in the polytunnels.

Also this week, the art department made the most of the sun and enjoyed their lunch in the fresh air.

There were two P7 "transition" lessons in the garden this week.

Both groups enjoyed sowing seeds for us.

We had a delivery of timber for building more raised beds...

...and more topsoil from the farmer to fill them with - thanks David!

The S1 class cleaned lots of plant labels on Wednesday...

...then used some right away for bean seeds.

We stand newly sown seeds in trays of water to wet them thoroughly.
 
On Friday the S3 class planted potatoes - "Bambino"

and the EAGer Bunch planted "Pink Gypsy".

A quick rest before planting onions too!

So, another week making the most of any sunshine and getting lots of jobs done!  Please return next week to see things progress even further :)  Happy Gardening in the meantime!