Well what a night that was

Poor old Missy has been too hot overnight, even though she had been gifted a proper cool jacket from a very good friend Aunty Kelly (Domesticated Pagan on Instagram).  A very generous gift which has saved her these past few days.  She just could not settle and we ended up washing her down several times during the night as well as refreshing the jacket because she was so over-heated and had countless trips to her water bowls.

At 5:00am I had had enough and went downstairs and made a cup of tea.  A cup of tea helps you think things through (well it does me).  Even G had one with the last of the sausage rolls from the other day. I also put the washing machine on with a load full.  At 6:00am I decided that I was getting up, got dressed and out I went to hang the washing out. The next load is now on. This morning is beautifully fresh  and bright started getting light around 4:00am.  The freshness though is very welcome after the heat of the past few days although from all accounts/predictions it is going to be a scorcher today.  

G and Missy are now in the land of Nod.  It is alright for some!

I have decided that I am going into the garden to carry on with what I was doing yesterday.  I shall go armed with a big Mug of tea and will carry on preparing the Pots that I  started preparing yesterday which need filling with the new compost as well as some of the other planters that I have.  I have received notification that the next batch of plant holders are due for delivery today.  I will end up needing more compost at this rate, but I am determined to do what I can with what I have. I still have more compost to riddle and whilst it is cool I might do that so that I can complete the next lot of planters with the used and riddled compost. I have some flower planters to pot up as well as some hanging baskets and some smaller wall baskets.  I also have a couple of cone shaped hanging baskets filled with Ivy and a medium sized planter filled with Ivy.  I want to try and create another planter so that I have a matching pair.

I also have Sweet Peas to plant out I am going to use two square planters and get some canes to create a Teepee and then string it so that the Sweet Peas can grow up the framework. I might also do some Runner Beans like this.

I also want to get some new grape plants on the go.  Before I do that though, I also need to tie in the grape vine  - yes I know I am late, however am hopeful to do this later on today.  I have string and hooks for this purpose.  I also have some little net bags for the grapes that have set to protect them whilst they grow.  I also need to weed the border that the grapevine is in.

Next year will be better, now I have reacquainted myself with procedures and things that I used to do, but did not get chance to do this year.  I have also identified key areas and equipment which is also needed to save time and make improvements for next year the main one which is a hosepipe with a spray attachment on a wand for watering hanging baskets.

I also need to get some Tube planters (basically a small sack that you can hang off the fence made of bin liner material but thicker) you add compost and there are holes cut in the front to which you can add  your choice of plants.

As I may have already mentioned, I am waiting for some garden tunnels to arrive in order that I can get Brassicas and other veg out and protect them from the Dreaded white Butterfly and its eggs.  I may order some more.

I have also ordered 60 large pots as it is now the larger sized pots that I am missing.  I have also considering ordering a load more pots in readiness for next season.

I am also keen to get some Aquaponic towers to grow things in as well for next season.  That will be a whole new learning curve.

So an early start here today, but in reality it is what I wanted to occur so that I can get on.

What I managed to Accomplish Today

I opened up the greenhouses to let the fresh air in and on checking some of the outside plants I see that the Cabbage whites have been busy.  I am going to try a method I have read about taking off the worms and disposing of them and then dusting the leaves with dry plain flour.  From what I read I believe it is an old method over 50 years old.  So shall give it a whirl!

I then set too recycling spent compost for the bottom of my planters.  I have sat and cleared 6 large tree sized planters.  I have a couple of more to do later on.  When I prep my planters up I add in a layer of straw to the bottom of the planter (to help keep the moisture in the plants); then I add in a layer of the spent compost and finally this is then finished off with a layer of fresh compost.  A bit of a three layer cake!

It is now far too hot outside for me to carry on working outside I will have to go back into the garden later in the day.  Later on we are supposed to have temperatures up to 32 degrees!  Temperatures tomorrow are in the region of 27 degrees supposedly.

Later on, I managed to get all the planters prepped and finished.  They are now ready tor the plants to be added. That will have to be dealt with tomorrow.

As a result of the Early Morning:

I had come in from outside as I was too hot and ended up having to go back to bed for a couple of hours when the heat was at its hottest.  It is unbearable well I think it is downright dangerous so uncomfortable.  I ended going back to bed when I went to the bathroom and started to fall asleep.  I felt a little wobbly as well and so to bed I came and have been out for the last couple of  hours.  This is often what happens when I get up early, but at least I got quite a lot of stuff sorted whilst the air was lovely and chilled first thing. I am now up and about again but keeping to the house.  It is currently 31 degrees too darn hot!

It is now 17:25pm.  Temperature is now 32 degrees.  Unbearable.

Temperature at 21.16 is now 28 degrees.  There is a nice breeze outside.

Tomorrow

G is taking part in another fishing match tomorrow and so I will attempt to work in the back bedroom again as well as the garden.  Fingers crossed and toes plaited.  Tomorrow will therefore be another early start.

My three strays came to find me tonight for their food.  The older grey gentleman and the black and white and the black.  I think they have been cooped up somewhere out of the sun.  Both were hungry. I have been leaving water, biscuits with water in for the grey cat he really seems to appreciate this do not think he has many teeth.  The black and white and the black both eat the biscuits as is.  They are also given meat well mashed up. Have not put the black one's food out yet as he did not put in an appearance he will come later on.

Am just off out to give the plants a little water and close them up for the night.

Keep safe wherever you are and keep drinking the water we all really need it in this weather.

Have a lovely evening.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

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