First jobs on the new plot

[@ericandrachallotmenteers]

I loved getting our plots and all the goodies 😂 We had barrows, pots, greenhouse frame, wood, loads of wood! Tools, water butts, guttering, pallets, raised beds, seeds! It's great Lovely to see how happy you are to get stuck in! 🤩

[@bethanskitchengarden]

It's amazing what some people leave behind isn't it. I am very much looking forward to getting stuck in and getting rid of those nettles 😊

[@nedomahony7711]

Bethan you definitely are not afraid of hard work

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thank you very much, I just want to do as much before the growing season is here. Take care 😊

[@karenclarke366]

Wow you have worked so hard, well done you 💪🎉💕

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thank you so much!! 😊

[@AnyKeyLady]

Wow Bethan what a great start on the plot! I felt your pain digging up those roots! Are you allowed to burn plant material on the plot? I would be worried about those roots, taking root again as they are quite resilient, or even have them higher in the compost pile? It will look great when it is all strimmed. Carpets and astro turf on beds is like artex on ceilings! WHY!? lol That metal ring looks interesting and you could probably make some art craft with it like a wind chime or if you are into weaving a basket. Might be just me be would be cool to have something that belonged to the plot owner before. I could see how cold it was when you were changing the wire on the strimmer! Everything is so much harder in the cold, especially if you knock yourself on something. I know it has been colder for others but it has been Baltic hasn't it!? -6c here, which might not sound cold to some but very unusual here. Av temp is about 1.5c here for time of year! We didn't even get any snow for it either! Fence sounds great and will definitely be an improvement and the chicken wire is a great idea. Might be worth putting a base board down too since it is grassy/ weedy there, will make it easier to strim the edges so it isn't growing through the wire and getting tangled. Hopefully it will be much easier to work on when it warms up a bit again. Good luck on the next step. Maybe ask hubby if he can fill a Jerry can for the strimmer until you can get it all done? Any luck on getting into the shed? Can you unscrew the brackets? Do you have a cordless angle grinder or know someone with one? Our council has started offering a "library of things" where you can borrow stuff. Shame they didn't leave the keys with the allotment admin people. Well hope you have a lovely week and take care!

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@AnyKeyLady hiya, yes it has been bitterly cold although hopefully it will kill off any bugs so not all bad. Thank you for the idea of a kick board for the fence, that is an excellent plan, I will do that 😊🙏. I don’t think we can burn things on site, I will ask when I get to know people, I don’t mind taking things to the dump. I agree with you about astro turf, carpets and artex ceilings😂 Have a fab weekend and take care 😊

[@jane3730]

Go Bethan, You really are a hard grafter, this is real gardening, not insta fake. So pleased to find your channel, can not wait to see the progress if you tackle every job with such vigour you'll have the plot turned around in no time, bravo.👏 Thanks for sharing, bfn. 🐞🌻🌱

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thanks very much Jane, hopefully I will get some more jobs done soon. Thank you so much for watching 😊

[@Jimsraisedbedgarden]

Great job Bethan, not easy at all , look forward to watching your progress xx

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thanks very much Jim, I really appreciate the support 😊

[@RobinGardens]

I soooo feel your bunny pain problem!!!!

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@RobinGardens I remember you suffering with them Robin, looks like you will not be suffering alone this growing season 😊

[@RobinGardens]

@@bethanskitchengarden Not fair to suffer both bunnies and slugs!!!!

[@Feelgoodgardens]

Wow Bethan so much to do on that allotment. You've worked really hard removing the nettles and strumming the grass. Why not keep that bench and see if you can find some free or cheap paving slabs and make a patio area for a cuppa. You can sand and put wood preservative on it or paint it and it'll make a nice feature at your allotment. It'll be great if you can fix that fence to keep out the rabbits. It's very rewarding starting from scratch and putting your own stamp on it. Good Luck with it and looking forward to watching the progress in future videos Lots of love ❤ Linda xx

[@bethanskitchengarden]

That's a great idea, thanks Linda, I was thinking of having some sort of seating area and I think you've cracked it. 😍 Hopefully the other sides fence isn't so bad and I won't need to replace the whole thing but I'm expecting to have to do that as well. I'm really enjoying it though, it's good to have a project again 😊 Lots of love back to you 😍😍😍

[@crocketp]

I really enjoyed this video!

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thank you so much 😊

[@sylviabradley7355]

Very clever to strim where it will be noticed. The compost bin is looking great 💥

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@sylviabradley7355 thanks Sylvia, I’m looking forward to using that compost 😊

[@Tillysgardeningdiaries-i3y]

Bethan I feel your pain, I'm doing exactly the same on my new plots 😂 That pallet looked heavy as well!! I literally went "Yahoo" when you pulled that stubborn nettle root up! 😂 Have a great sowing season ahead xx Tilly

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thanks so much Tilly, I had totally forgotten how strong nettle roots are! Do you have any perennial weeds on your new plot? I think I heard your Yahoo from here 😁 Good luck with your plot 😍

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

What a brilliant start, Bethan! That nettle removal looked such hard work. What a workout! Liking the plans you have so far.. can’t wait to see it all come together ❤❤

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thanks very much Clare, it was good to make a start and it’s good to have a plan moving forward…just need to wait for it to thaw out now 😂

[@paulineellison9047]

look forward to seeing more of what you get up to .. good luck with the plot

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thanks Pauline, I’m sure there will be plenty of updates as there’s plenty to do 😂

[@bewoodford2807]

WoW, Bethan! What a fantastic job you've done. You worked so hard. I am still struggling with my 2nd plot- so overgrown and so tough to sort, but I'll get there I'm sure. happy growing 🙂

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thank you so much, I’m sure you will get there with your second plot, divide and conquer is the way forward 😊

[@moorsidegardener]

Great start Bethan. I agree the gate being to one side would look really weird once you have your central path put in.

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thanks Jenny, it makes the job of fixing the fence not so bad when there’s multiple reasons for doing it 😊

[@Garden-of-weeden]

Well done Bethan, it’s great seeing you dig out rather than cover with cardboard will make such a difference! Are you tempted to get some ice skates? That’s mental 😮

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Oh no ice skates for me, I’m like Bambi on ice!😂 Thanks Pammie, I like to dig up as many perennial weeds as I can, limits them coming back then. Hope you are well 😊

[@Garden-of-weeden]

@ haha that would be me also! Lol here’s to a great growing year Bethan I’ve got everything crossed for a good one for us both 😁

[@michelleskitchengardendiar6934]

Fantastic start Bethan, fingers crossed for better weather, take care for now

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@michelleskitchengardendiar6934 thanks Michelle, I always forget how unpredictable the weather is when I’m planning my jobs in the winter 🥶 😂

[@joinmeinthedirt5186]

I hope you took a hot soak in the tub when you got home. Looking good

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@joinmeinthedirt5186 yes I did 🛀 🥵😂, it was much needed. Thanks for watching 😊

[@craftybits-o3p]

Great job! Happy New Year😀

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@craftybits-o3p thank you very much and Happy New Year to you too 😊

[@myhillsidegarden3998]

Bethan, please be careful of your back, all that heavy lifting and pulling. You are always so cheerful. Thank you for sharing. Catherine

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thanks for your concern Catherine, I always go slowly to prevent and protect my back from being pulled, are you making videos again? 😊

[@elizabethjames1053]

Phew those nettles i'm sweating watching you 😮 it brings back memories of my plot when i first had it ------nightmare but will be worth 👍

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thank you very much, I thought I was going to get the whole lot done in one afternoon 😂

[@elizabethjames1053]

@bethanskitchengarden 😂😂

[@gardentothekitchenwithtracy]

Well done Bethan, you are doing a amazing job 😊

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@gardentothekitchenwithtracy thanks so much Tracy, it felt great to make a start 😊

[@gardentothekitchenwithtracy]

@ bit by bit you will get there Bethan

[@billvalsallotments5915]

Hi Bethen one step at a time and you will get there , we have all been there at one point or another, and you have the skills to transform that plot.

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thank you so much Bill, how are you doing? I am looking forward to sorting it out a little at a time 😊

[@HopeFCharity]

Nettles they say grows in good soil. Also once the roots are removed they are controllable. Nettles are also highly nutritious steamed with cabbage they are great to eat. Look forward to following your gardening journey.

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@HopeFCharity thank you very much, I made nettle wine from them once and it was delicious. Thanks for watching 😊

[@DavidGibb-vo3df]

Looks like a real workout there

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@DavidGibb-vo3df yes I did feel it across my shoulders and arms the next day 😊 Thanks for watching David 😊

[@LynneSmith-x6v]

It can only look better with every weed removed! Very satisfying once done! Just cleared and prepared my first small plot! Lots of stuff for compost too! Will watch your progress with interest!

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@LynneSmith-x6v thanks very much Lynne, you are so right, the feeling of satisfaction as a little bit gets improved is a fab feeling. Good luck with your plot 😊

[@StellasVegetablegardens]

tough but satisfying work. one step at at a time and this is the perfect time to get it done ❤

[@bethanskitchengarden]

thanks Stella, you are very wise, little and often and I'll get there 😊

[@CarmelCoupon]

Nettles here (Australia) grow from seed. I am certainly glad we don't have nettles like yours!!

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@CarmelCoupon can you send them over here please 😊

[@CarmelCoupon]

@@bethanskitchengarden I think your own will be enough trouble!! I enjoy your channel very much.

[@drhoy15]

Bethan, I’m new to your channel. I wish that you would wear safety glasses when you are strimming. The metal ‘lid’ was probably used as a cloche, being covered with clear plastic. You are doing a great job😊

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thank you for your concern, I forgot to take some with me, I will try and remember next time 😊 I wondered if it was some sort of cloche too, it just seemed small for lots of plants. Thanks for watching 😊

[@GardenofEmma]

You have got your work cut out on the new plot for sure but it looks like that you have made a good start

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thanks Emma, it won’t be so hard as I’m putting in raised beds, exciting times for us both 😊

[@johnking-ht5ez]

Bethan you are one strong lass.

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@johnking-ht5ez 😂😂thanks very much 💪🏻😂😂

[@myrustygarden]

😂😂 my first job would be cuppa coffee. You’ll get there Bethan but soon gets hot with all those clothes on. Are you able to burn on that site? A lovely location for sure Bethan. Great job look forward to seeing your progress it a sheep may work too 😂😂. Have a fab weekend, Ali 😶‍🌫️🥶🇨🇦

[@bethanskitchengarden]

😂thanks Ali, hopefully little and often and I’ll soon be there 🤞🏻 Was good to make a start though 😊 I don’t think there’s any burning on site, have a great weekend too and stay warm 🥶😍

[@tangell481]

hi bethany hard work but you did very well following and hoping you win all the rewards thanks from new Zealand

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thank you so much for your kind wishes and thank you for watching 😊

[@secretanorak592]

I went through this beginning of last year on my new plot. Tackle it bit by bit and you'll reap the rewards in the summer.

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Great advice, thanks very much. It will have to be bit by bit with this weather we are having!! 😂

[@StellasVegetablegardens]

the soil looks good

[@bethanskitchengarden]

thanks Stella, I was happy with it, it should do my new beds the world of good 😊

[@crocketp]

What about putting down a black sillage tarp on the whole area? That will kill off any grass weeds etc. not sure how long it has to stay down to do its thing though. I see other people do this when they have a huge area to clear.

[@bethanskitchengarden]

That is a great idea…people usually use the black tarp when they aren’t expecting to clear that area soon. I’m hoping to put in raised beds with a thick layer of cardboard at the bottom which will hopefully suppress the grass and stop it from coming through, otherwise I would use your idea 😊

[@roberthill9011]

Hi thank you for sharing 🦥

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@secretanorak592]

Don't know about your location but the site where my plot is has many nightime visitors. Regulars are Foxes, Deers, Pheasants etc and of course Rabbits. Whatever fencing you use (within Reason) isn't going to stop a determined hungry resident. Just something to consider before spending to much time/money on a boundary. Nothing more dishearterning than doing all that just to watch something get in anyway.

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Thank you very much for this, it is certainly something to think about. I think I should fix the fence anyway as it just doesn't look great. A lot of my beds will probably be covered in netting/environmesh as well so hopefully it will deter some would be thieves 🥴🤔🤷🏼‍♀️

[@secretanorak592]

@@bethanskitchengarden Thats what I do, Concentrate on protecting Individual Beds and hopefully save some crops. I'm a bit of a softee though as come end of the season I'll leave some Carrots/Parsnips etc for the wildlife over the winter.🙄

[@TheGDJames]

Looks like a fire pit lid to me.

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@TheGDJames could be, not sure I can reuse it though 🤔