A lot of work to do.......

Updates .... Hmmmm, not much if I am honest, rain seems to stay away whilst I am working, and when I actually get some time, it decides to pour down.

I have had some snatched moments of digging recently, as I really need to get the tunnel up now, to get a start on seed sowing. I have managed to dig over around 3/4 of the area which will be covered by the tunnel, and most importantly, the perimeter has been dug over, which mean only the centre will require a dig over. My next plan, is to get over there and erect the frame of the tunnel and get it placed, I have pounded in 1 3x3 timber post which will be 1 corner, the other 3 will be driven in once I get the framework up, the posts will be driven in around 18"-24" into the ground, and when the frame is in place, I will drill through the frame and screw it to the posts. I will also be copying ideas taken from both SteveR and Scrungee, I am planning a visit to a local fencing company to suggest I remove for them, some broken concrete fence posts, these I will use as weighting to keep the tunnel down so that it will not blow away.

I'll upload a couple of pics later, so you can see what I've been doing ........ I have removed a huge amount of root systems !!!

 

Yesterday, I managed to grab around an hour and a half and constructed the tunnel framework (it does need all nuts to be finally tightened + I want to add a centre timber to run the full length) ....
Also, before I put the cover on, I will need to clean of with alcohol or similar, as they obviously spray the tubes with oil before packing... I need to clean the oil off before putting my anti-hot spot tape on the tubes.





I was going to stop there, as the light was beginning to go, and the sun was almost gone..... BUT ......


I couldn't help myself :-





Pic showing the timber post I have already put into the ground in 1 corner :-



And finally, a picture showing the chosen location of the tunnel on the plot :-



Next jobs are to dig out around the perimeter, acquire some 'broken' or 'slightly damaged' concrete fence posts to help weight the sides/ends of the tunnel, using the method SteveR did.

 

It was still there today

Done a bit more today ..... I sweated today more than I have since taking on the allotment :D

Stupidly, I had put the tunnel together slightly wrong, the two long rail than run the entire length of the tunnel are supposed to be on the inside edge of the hooped rails, some how..... I managed to get them on the outside from the 3rd section assembled.... It did only take about 5 minuted to put right, as I had put it together loosely. I have since tightened everything up.

Also, I have driven in another 5 ground stakes, all 4 corner and one in each centre of the side. I still want to get some broken concrete fence posts, which will hopefully weight the frame down nicely.

Also today , my helper and I (my 7 year old son) have dug out around the perimeter of the tunnel, to sink it into the ground by around 3-4".

What is left to do now is to clean the frames down with alcohol (not the drinking kind @Zigs ) and then apply the anti hotspot tape and put the cover over.

I then need to make some racking etc for seed trays..... I have something in mind, I have a long pallet (approx) 7-8' long x 18" wide), which I will just fit 4 legs to to create a quick bench.

Still lots to do

Couple of pics of the tunnels skeleton as of today....

 

I have driven stakes into the ground about 2' into the ground

I am also sourcing some broken concrete fence posts to set the frame upon, serving 2 purposes, a bearing for the frame and also weight to prevent it blowing away.

And yes, the ground is so free draining (which I may have mentioned around a dozen times already :D). The whole allotment plot (all 100 plots on the site) are on a very slight gradient, which is not really noticeable, but having spoken to other allotment holders, they told me that the allotments at the car park end, have a tendency to flood, as it is a lower end..... So, though I may have a long walk, I have a better spot in a way.

I am also looking forward to what I have planned to grow.

I am keeping an eye on the allotment next to me, as nobody has been on it since I have had mine, and if it is available, I may take it on and grow spuds/sweetcorn to out compete the weeds for this year....... I just wouldn't have time to bring another plot into line this year :D

 

I could always stick a notice up in the 'on-site' notice board