Future plans for the garden - what I'm looking forward to getting on with

[@simplifygardening]

Lift the greenhouses up on a few levels of sleepers and raise the height. you be surprised how much room that will provide.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

You know we did think of that - seems like a lot of hard work but might just be worth it. Thanks Tony x

[@StellasVegetablegardens]

That is exactly what i was going to say with the addition that you could set it up as a seeding station

[@Plotonthehill]

So much space is great when it works 😀... I'd definitely keep the grapevine and use that greenhouse for storage freeing up the other for growing.. The shady area would be fab for a woodland wonderland with a few wee secret fairy gardens. It's definitely a nice problem to have. 😘

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh now I hadn't thought of a fairy garden - there are plenty of 'mysterious corners' up there! Yes I'm going to give the grapevine another chance but maybe try and get it just along one side - I'd feel very guilty otherwise! Thank you.

[@brigidatorenconnorodonnell341]

In my greenhouse I use large pots to grow all the cucumbers tomatoes capsicums and watermelons. It works for me because you can tip the large pots out and refill them by using the wheelbarrow and don’t need to use so much physical strength to manage it all.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

I think large pots would do well in the greenhouse - thanks for the idea!

[@annesimms7356]

The shandy spot under the apple tree looks ripe for a dappled shade woodland garden, the sunken tub could be modified as another water feature/pond.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Yes I think so - especially with the bulbs. I'm wondering how many creatures visit it already - might have to move the trail camera to find out! Thanks Anne.

[@jeanhelliwell8160]

I would move everything you're storing (plants from Malvern and dahlias etc into grapevine greenhouse

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

That's a great idea Jean - thank you.

[@annesimms7356]

​@@JanesGrowingGarden I agree, good idea

[@lynnegunns604]

Yep agree with Tony at simplify gardens raise the greenhouses up. Brace two railway sleepers together and sit it on top. You can barely stand up in there. Great space though. Ey Jane? What a great find the new addition was.. keep those beady eyes open our Jane!! I’m same with seeds by the way 😊😊 oh and the area next to the chickens… I would either make into a relaxing seating area amongst the spring bulbs for now and then take up all the bulbs relocate to another area and do a Charles dowding no dig project there with cardboard and compost etc.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oooh some lovely ideas for the wild bit there! We were so lucky with that trug thingy - I must remember to get it painted soon. Raising the greenhouse would be good but I think it would probably fall apart in the process - I think the grapevine is holding it together! Thanks Lynne.

[@janwilletts1986]

I’ve got one of those wooden structures, I call it my cold frame on stilts. So far the slugs haven’t climbed in , I use it for seedlings and roottrainers, very useful.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Ha ha - oh I like that! Good to know the slugs won't get in - I wonder if it's too high for flea beetles as well. Thanks Jan.

[@annesimms7356]

Fourth thing regarding the camping stove... Please have a smallish fire extinguisher handy. Could solve an awful lot of problems. ❤

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

You're right - it's on the Christmas list! We do have a watering can on standby but something more reliable would be better. Thanks Anne.

[@charissatroup5611]

Maybe a dead hedge around the new compost bins, and a woodland garden under the apple tree. Not sure about the greenhouses. Maybe just simplify what's in there, but don't get rid of the grape, lol. It's a beauty.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Yes I think A woodland theme would be quite nice - maybe a few more bushes for the wildlife etc. Aaargh I know what you mean about the grape - it doesn't seem fair to get rid of it when it works so hard! Great ideas - thanks Charissa.

[@adysveggarden]

Hi Jane, always good if it's free, possibly an espalier or cordon fruit tree for the compost bins. On to the more outside the box ideas, you could raise the greenhouse but they are old so maybe move the poly tunnel frame over the old grape green houses and re skin (and take down the greenhouses). Build a pergola at the back by the old compost bins and put the moved climbers which are outside the greenhouses. You could move the potting green house with no glass in the door to opposite the shed. You would then have a clear view over the plot when sitting at the pond.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Crikey Ady that's some very thorough planning there! I love the cordon fruit tree idea. Raising the greenhouse is a great idea but I think it would probably cost too much in time and materials for the state they are in. Moving the polytunnel is tempting but again I think it's so well entrenched where it is - sadly it came before the pond! Right my mind is whirring now - thank you!

[@Feelgoodgardens]

Hi Jane I just love your shed it looks so cosy especially with the fire. Some great ideas in the comments. I haven't added any as too busy thinking of ideas for our own allotments 😂 Fab video though and looking forward to seeing those ideas in practice. Have a great week ❤ x

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

It's that time of year isn't it - our heads our buzzing with new ideas - then before we know it we're sowing seeds again! Our shed door is always open Linda if you ever wanted to visit - we may not have the same amount of goodies as yours though! Thank you x

[@Feelgoodgardens]

@JanesGrowingGarden Awe that's so nice of you thank you Jane 🥰 xx

[@cherylprice1790]

In the open space, what about a parterre made with rosemary plants or lavender with a patio fruit tree in the middle of each section and some underplanting of spring bulbs.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

I think it might be too dark but it does sound tempting! Thanks Cheryl.

[@cherylprice1790]

The polytunnel crops look so fresh and healthy. Wonderful ❤

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

I had no idea they were even there - good old Mike! Thanks Cheryl.

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

So many decisions to make! I have decision fatigue sometimes too, especially when various options present themselves. I’d definitely leave the grapevine, it’s just so amazing. I guess repair the other greenhouse would be the top job. I have slight raised beds in my polytunnel but they aren’t overly deep. They just serve to help keep the soil where it should be and out of the paths Great advice regarding the stove too

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

I might try and weave/prune the grapevine so it just goes along one side - not sure yet but yes I think it's going to have to stay. My raised beds would only start off quite shallow, maybe build them up as I add more compost. And if I move a lot of stuff from the small greenhouse into the bigger one for storage I'd have no excuse not to sort it out. Okay my mind's buzzing even more now! Thanks Clare x

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

@ yes, the space underneath the grapevine could definitely be better utilised to give you more usable space in the smaller greenhouse. Good idea!

[@kitchengardengrows]

Ooooh I love a good project! I would move the engine room greenhouse to the most central spot for the rest of your plot (if it isn't already), close to the beds etc- even sacrifice a bed to do so. If it's beyond saving then get rid of it and turn the double greenhouse into the engine room. Grapevine, when I am torn about a plant, I always think, if someone offered to take it off my hands and look after it, would I take it out in a heartbeat? If it were me I would take it out- it's taking up some of the most valuable space on your plot, for grapes that are second best (pips). Compost bin- I'd paint it black and then use the area for pots of dahlias, or a comfrey patch, fan train something like a jostaberry (or other fruit, not sure what direction it faces), or build staging for pots of herbs/flowers etc, or maybe the centre post could be extended into a frame to hang baskets for trailing tomatoes, flowers or strawberries, or a bed of Jerusalem artichokes/sunflowers, or angle a frame away from the bin to grow beans. The area under the apple is fab and totally lends itself into a spring and woodland garden. I would completely clear out the area where the old compost bins are and build an all singing all dancing storage area for everything that you want to keep, but isn't used/used less often, so it's all organised, put in a proper dead hedge with stakes, giving an almost wattle fence feel and then pad out the area with some small shrubs, ferns and hellebores that will cover all seasons and pop in another small seating/table area, or create some habitat teepees for structure. Blimey...if only I could turn so much attention to my own garden, so much easier to do someone else's!! Your plot always looks so lovely, even when you say it doesn't, so whatever you do, I'm sure it will be marvellous! Good luck with it Jane. 😃

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Wow - there are some fantastic ideas there! I love the idea of extending that central post - then I could have plants trailing down but also room for something in the ground growing up! I think a woodland garden might be the way to go - it's already got the basics there but giving it a bit more structure with a few shade loving shrubs and - habitat teepees (I'm going to have to Google that one!) Not sure the greenhouse could stand a move but I think I definitely need to utilise the double one a bit more for storage. So many options - thank you so much!

[@susiespearing6165]

I'd leave the grapevine and use underneath for storage for everything in the propagating greenhouse and do up the other one as a dedicated potting greenhouse .I grow most of my veg in my outside cold frame .It holds 8 full size seed trays .Leave that area as a wild life area ,put a bug hotel in there ..Those tee roots and bulbs will make growing in the ground too hard .

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

I think that might be the way forward Susie - the lower part of the double greenhouse is only used for part of the year and then things don't grow too well in there. I could do with putting the trail cam up in that back area and see what already comes to visit - maybe give them a few extra treats by way of berry bushes etc. Great ideas - thank you!

[@mygardenanddinosaurs]

Hiya Jane. In your shaded area, I would expand the chicken run to give them even more space. Mine don’t touch my spring flowers. I would also pop in a couple of raised beds for things that don’t mind the shade too much, like lettuce. Maybe even pop in some shrubs that thrive in shade such as Skimmia, Mahonia (very jaggy though) or sweet box. You could even create a feature with hedging, making shapes or a mini labarynth. 😆

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh that's good to know about the chickens - I'd feel terrible if they feasted on the daffodils! They'd love the extra space - I'm wondering if we could use some of that temporary netting that we have around the fruit trees - hmm .... Thanks Mags x

[@mygardenanddinosaurs]

@ that sound great. Just keep an eye on them initially but mine ignored them.

[@gardentours]

I would keep the grapevine 🍇 🍇🍇 When I watch your videos and see the grapevine I'm always so amazed 🌝

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

It is a beauty when it's in full 'fruit' isn't it?! Thank you.

[@DigwellGreenfingers]

I'd change the greenhouse glass for twinwall polycarbonate. You will be amazed at just how much warmer it will be inside.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

I think actually having anything would be warmer than it is at the moment - at least it's well ventilated! Thanks Steve x

[@RobinGardens]

That cold frame you acquired is marvy, inside the greenhouse or outside. I have overwintered in mine, but inside the greenhouse it's even better to add 1 to 2 zones lower than you are in, of planting capability. I've seen a lot of channels put greenhouses on block or sleepers to raise it up. A bit of work, but a cheap solution to get more height??? Bethan is working on a base for her's. JB did sleeper's for his. My compost bin hides behind a trellis of sweet autumn clematis.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Yes I was wondering about using it in the polytunnel itself - might be an idea for Spring. If we were starting from scratch I'd definitely have a base to put the greenhouse on but to be honest I don't think it would survive the move! Love the idea of the clematis - another idea into the mix! Thanks Robin x

[@stevendowden2579]

loved your video jane ive never had polytunnel on plot had a greenhouse a few years ago but not now you can get trellis with plastic ivy on it which would be ok on your compost bins lt lasts quite a few years from home bargins

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh yes I've seen that before - it looks quite realistic doesn't it! Thanks Steven.

[@christinebrooks6364]

Hi Jane, maybe get rid of the single greenhouse and save the unbroken glas panes for your other double greenhouse. Grapevine, if you dont like the grapes with pips in, then, dug up and pass on to another plot holder? What a hreat freebie trug with topper too ❤ i have raised beds in my polytunnel & works well. You have lots of ideas for next season. Love the fire 🔥 thanks for sharing and take care 😊

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

@@christinebrooks6364 oh that’s good to hear about the raised beds - I think I’ll definitely put a couple in. I’m not sure the grapevine would survive a move but it would certainly be nice to have a seedless variety instead. The single greenhouse certainly needs an overhaul doesn’t it - we shall have to have a good old think about it. Thanks Christine.

[@Hhaahland4]

If you don’t love it and you can’t move it get rid of it. I think sometimes us gardeners hang onto plants and trees because we feel guilty about removing them, but we are also the ones who are doing all the planting, so if something is preventing you from using the space the way you want it then make the changes, you won’t regret it.

[@TheGrowUpChannel]

I was gritting my teeth when you mentioned ventilation.. i knew what was coming 😂😂😂😂🤦‍♂️

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Ha ha - you will forever be part of our shed! Thanks Danny x

[@hb19110]

It looks like a spot of Heaven. I would love some cut flowers in a small patch. Love the Hammock.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh thank you - it really is my little oasis!

[@ErnieCG]

Good video

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Thank you!

[@jeanhelliwell8160]

JANE, you have ventilation, your fine, as yet you're still waiting for that elusive piece of glass from DANNY 😁😅😂🤣

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Ha ha - I couldn't help myself Jean - thank you!

[@jeanhelliwell8160]

@@JanesGrowingGarden me neither. Sorry DANNY it was just so easy had to be done. Lol. 😅😂🤣

[@cherylprice1790]

Great upload. What about some roses in front of the compost bins. Or a Bocking 14 comfrey less likely to spread. Or a rhubarb. I can't think of an evergreen solution, really. Perhaps Rosemary hedge?

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh now rosemary sounds good - I think that would be the perfect spot for it! Right I'm going to have to think about that one. Thanks Cheryl!

[@SylviaCostello-lu1bu]

Hi Jane I would put grape in your other greenhouse and put staging in the other one just a idea tfs sylvi🎉

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

All ideas welcome! Thanks Sylvia.

[@chrissiehart22]

Dead space of the back my 1st thought was a seating area with fire pit. But if lots of bulbs are there then maybe more fruit trees and even bushes. X

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh now I'd love a fire pit but I'd feel terrible if my 'faraway tree' went up in flames :) Thanks Chrissie.

[@chrissiehart22]

@JanesGrowingGarden I'm sure it wouldn't catch fire unless you chopped it down and add it to the fire lol.

[@tennesseenana4838]

My thoughts on disguising your new compost area: You don't want anything growing into the compost so what about making it into a fun and creative garden art spot. Paint the wood, maybe a green, and/or get some fun garden art and put those up on it. If you are, or know someone who is an artist, have them paint a fun picture on it - some bright colored flowers with funny faces or silly animals. Consider it a blank canvas to create what you want on it. I don't have a greenhouse or a poly tunnel, so I know nothing about them. Kate & Eli in Scotland have a gardening channel, and she has loads of videos about organizing their greenhouse. Maybe you could get some ideas from her?

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Ha ha - good ideas there although it takes me back to painting a mural at a school playground once - I immediately feel like I haven't done my homework! Yes I think the greenhouse really should be big enough - it just needs a proper overhaul and some good organisation. Let's hope I can get it sorted before Spring! Thank you.

[@MartineMoeijes]

Carbonmonoxide is heavier than oxigen. In the Netherlands we put the sensor close to the floor.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

That's interesting. The reason we are told to place the sensors higher up is because we are told it is lighter so eye level or above is usually about the right height for us. Thank you.

[@MartineMoeijes]

@JanesGrowingGarden that's interesting....

[@shahariyajoy-ks3wg]

i'm with you..❤

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Thank you!

[@Hhaahland4]

Hi Jane, Is your Grape the type that needs spur pruning or cane pruning? I’m not experienced with cane pruning but it looks like you are spur pruning your vine. If so, it also looks like you are leaving way too many spurs (shoots) on it to grow. I leave two spurs with two buds at least every two generous hand spans along the main arms. When it starts growing again I rub off any growth between these growing points and any excess growth around your main spurs to minimise leaf growth and give the vine some airflow. Disclaimer: Not sure if next bit is technically correct but works for me. If the canes I want get too long I’ll also just keep pruning them back to a couple of leaf nodes after a bunch of grapes. They will reshoot from that point but I just keep pruning it back throughout the season. Are you able to prune the grape so that it is only growing on one side of the greenhouse? My vine is only 4m long and I get more bunches than I know what to do with, but another disclaimer, I live in a Mediterranean climate and grow grapes outside, so this may be all completely unhelpful information to you.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Ha ha - I didn't know there was any other way to prune a grapevine so I've learned something there. Yes I must admit this year I did leave more on than normal - I was a lot more thorough when we first inherited it, even pruned the grapes themselves. I'll have a look into shortening the length of the actual vine - it sounds a bit scary but one side would still give us more grapes than we know what to do with! Thanks for that - it's always good to learn something new!

[@paulinemorris5186]

What about pallet collars in the polytunnell

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Yes I think I'll put a couple at either end - if I can get the right size! Thank you.

[@StellasVegetablegardens]

the greenhouses are cluttered and they look messy which can actually make you lose the will to live a little bit at least it does because you look at it and it doesn’t spark joy when you look at it. if you were to move one of the greenhouses slightly further away from the other one have them repaired by trying to find some free glass wash them down clean them and tidy them. Would they work any better? I would also get rid of the grape plant. I know it is a great producer but you don’t even like the grapes with Pips in them. Get a New grape plant without pips and get rid of this one. How far back would you cut it back without killing it is another question. Does it have to just trim the way you’ve trimmed it or could you cut it right back and let it produce new shoots next year? I have no idea about growing grapes so I’m just asking because I’m curious as well. also involves having a space that starts Joy and it is obvious that those two green houses is wonderful as they have to have as a resource. They are a little bit energy draining because of the amount of work they need to get them to be over a standard that would spark joy.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

I think I'm going to try and cut it back so that it only takes up one side and see what happens - I can't bear to get rid of a healthy plant, even with pips! I'm actually quite looking forward to getting stuck into cleaning and clearing - it does make such a difference to your mindset doesn't it? Meanwhile we'll have to wait for this wretched storm to pass! Thanks Stella.

[@StellasVegetablegardens]

@@JanesGrowingGarden it’s funny how quickly we forget that our autumn and winter bring storms with them 😵‍💫

[@BumblebeeAdventure]

Apple tree is the love and hate relationship. ITS just to big. would love to start over on a blanc canvas. But thats like mission impossible.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

Oh but I love it so much - and it does give us some cracking apples! A blank canvas would be lovely but also a bit scary - imagine how many choices you'd have to make then! Thank you.

[@jeanhelliwell8160]

You need a polytunnel

[@DavidGibb-vo3df]

You shouldn't have the carbon monoxide sensor near the door it defeats the purpose

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

It's actually about four foot away from the door but between two windows - good point though. Thanks David.

[@hikerlindacanadianrockies8478]

I would take that single smaller greenhouse and move it elsewhere, or get rid of it.

[@JanesGrowingGarden]

@@hikerlindacanadianrockies8478 the problem is it’s worth its weight in gold in the spring - a move would certainly improve it from an access point of view though. Food for thought! Thanks Linda.