Rats, Polytunnels, and a Massive Harvest!

[@Ragt0p]

Oh, my heart hurts for you. It’s hard to clear out after a beloved animal. ❤

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

It really is. After nearly 2 months, I felt I wouldn’t feel quite so pained by it, but finding her tail hair really got to me. 🥲 I miss her but I am kind of relieved she doesn’t have to endure another winter, as she did struggle with the cold and damp

[@sarah3136]

It really is

[@sarah3136]

​@TheFarmyardGarden ❤

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

@@sarah3136 thank you 🤗

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

@@sarah3136 it the worse. I thought I’d be ok x

[@petro3441]

Hi. New here from south africa. Killed myself laughing for the mice😂😂😂😂😂thats so me

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Hello Petra. Welcome to the community, lovely to see new faces. I think they were baby rats. I’m trying to pretend they were cute mice though 😫😂 I’d LOVE to know what things you grow, as you must have a longer growing season than us.. and polar opposites in terms of us having rainy season from January - December in the UK.

[@petro3441]

@@TheFarmyardGarden here in South Africa we are now going to summer. I only have a small city garden so mostly it is succulents and flowers. But i do love my herb garden and tomatoes and potatoes. This year i am going to try butternut as well. Do not really have alot of space so it will have to grow up somehow🫣

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

@@petro3441 they grow well over an arch. You can get seeds here called butterbush, which don’t trail as much

[@ericandrachallotmenteers]

Lovely harvest there Clare. Poor baby Rat! Scared the life out of him 😂 Good job on the leeks and clearing up. Gardens looking fab 🙂🫶🏽

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

I’m sure the rat is back there, warm and toasty now 😂😅😅

[@siggiroberts7432]

😮 wow, what a great harvest in the middle of October, Clare The compost looks absolutely brilliant. So good for your vegetables 👏 The rats made me jump. Don't like rats 🐀

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

The rats made me say naughty words, Siggi. Good job for editing software! Ooops. The compost did seem good. I am very happy with. Hope the leeks appreciate it too. I never imagined I’d still be harvesting tomatoes in the second half of October. Blown away. The winter crops are waiting to go in! Those San Marranos have started to ripen over the weekend too. Can’t wait to show you what we’ve unearthed this week. A major project for the winter but a very exciting one. It’ll be in next week’s plot tour video. Have a great week x

[@nopeynopeynope]

Bravest woman ever! I am subscribing just for that.

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Ha.. thank you! Welcome…Always enjoy seeing new faces join the community. I think your username summed up how I was feeling over seeing them though! A little tiny scream did come out of my mouth 😂😂

[@nopeynopeynope]

@@TheFarmyardGarden I would have still been screaming 🤣

[@dogontheplot]

Oh my goodness that was so funny. Even tho I knew the rat jumping out was coming I still squealed 😂😂😂 Great vlog Clare - truly ❤ Oh and wetting the compost might help deter the rats too. The finished compost looked perfect! Might have to treat myself to some ends for my little covers.

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

I couldn’t believe how close it was to landing on me when I saw the footage whilst editing. It made me laugh out loud.. and shudder again. Naturally I edited out the expletive 😂🫣😅 I did water the compost after putting the sawdust in. Not sure why I didn’t do it after all the greens too. Think I expected it might get slimy until browns went in. Good to know that would also put them off. It’s actually quite a cute baby rat isn’t it? Sssh … don’t tell Duncan I said that! Definitely get the ends. I know in a few garden centres you could buy them separately to the centre bit, but mine were all combined. 2 full greenhouse cloches for £24.99 Thanks for the support, as always, and for enjoying the vlog this week. ❤️❤️

[@RobinGardens]

That broken spade handle makes a great dibber. I screamed too! I had a mouse in the shed......icky.

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Very icky but I’d rather have a mouse than a rat… or two 😅😂 Great dibber isn’t it? So handy

[@adysveggarden]

Hi Clare, nice end of harvest for the toms and also the compost which is also another great harvest. Great shots of the rats.

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

I am so pleased with the compost. It worked well didn’t it? Felt so nice. Rats…urrggh! I need to do something about that. Must be the season for it though, as it seems a lot of KZbin channels have experienced similar this week. Have a fabulous week.

[@Garden-of-weeden]

Thank goodness for editing! I’d of swore like a banshee at the rats 😂 there’s no getting away from them eh

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

I may have had one tiny little vocabulary outburst 😂😅😅

[@georgemartin9618]

I once encountered a large rat when I put my hand to check the compost temperature. Didn't make compost again for about three years and that was in a dalek . Your angled slat system is brilliant, I'm going to copy it as I'm planning to build another one this winter.

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Oh my Lord, that’s given me anxiety just thinking about it! I have to admit, I did want to add some tomato foliage to the compost bin today but didn’t dare take the lid off it! Might need Duncan to help me. ha. They’re a good design aren’t they? I got mine from Primrose. I should have added a link to the description. I didn’t think. I’m sure you’ll make a really good version yourself though. Have a fabulous week, George. See you Sunday

[@SundaysInTheGarden]

Oh my goodness, Clare 😂😂 This did make me laugh! Those baby rats were quite cute, but where there are small ones, there are big ones too! 😧 We have them in our garden when we start feeding the birds! Such a pain! 🤦🏼‍♀️ Hope turning the compost helps to deter them 🤞🏻 The compost really does look amazing, though 😍 so much better than any you can buy! 👏🏻 Those leeks are going to love it, especially with all of that extra space you have given them! Another wonderful update, Clare! Have a brilliant rest of the week 😊🪴💚

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

I had NO idea just how close I got to a rat in my pocket, until I watched it back. I had no idea where it came from! Ha. I did catch a big rat in a humane trap the other day INSIDE the tunnel, so I knew they were about. The compost is brilliant. I am so happy with it. I hope it doesn’t end up full of weed seeds. I hope those leeks grow on well now. Just need to not have too wet a winter. What’s the chance of that? Weather looking up for this week, so enjoy being able to get out in the garden. See you on Sunday…in the garden xx

[@SundaysInTheGarden]

@@TheFarmyardGardenthey are so brazen! The rats here come out in broad daylight to snack on the blackberries when I’m working right next to them! 🤦🏼‍♀️ Chances of a non soggy winter? 🤔🤔 The way things are going, I don’t hold out much hope 😂🤦🏼‍♀️ but maybe the leeks will adapt! 🤷🏼‍♀️ and a sunny week ahead is very welcome! 🎊 Enjoy your time outside this week and catch you again very soon! 😊🪴💚

[@sarah3136]

Oh bless you, what a beautiful horse she was ❤

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Thank you Sarah. She was 26. I had owned her for 19 years 😭😭🥰

[@sarah3136]

Wow, that would have been so hard for you, I'm so sorry for your hurt x

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Thank you. I appreciate you sending love x

[@Jimmy.Plot.41.b]

You still have loads growing inside of your polytunnel Clare, First full season ticked off the list and what a first full season you have had, awesome. Your compost looks really good too. I think i would have screamed louder than that if i seen a ratticus right beside me, baby or not, would have been worse still had it been an incy wincy spider🕷. Have a great week Clare 👍

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Thanks Jimmy. I’ve been so pleased with the polytunnel this year. The San Marzanos have been ripening well this past week too. I’m not a fan of spiders. The scratch on my nose in this video was caused by my panicked reaction to a spider crawling over my face! Literally clawed my own nose off 😂🥲😭 Hope you’re having a good week. Sorry I didn’t reply sooner. Been a bit sad here as I lost another dog on Tuesday. It would have been Harvey’s 15th birthday today 😭

[@Jimmy.Plot.41.b]

@@TheFarmyardGarden Sorry to hear about your loss Clare, dont ever worry about not replying or replying at a later date. Have a great weekend. Aw 15 years old today, how sad he isnt hear to see it in with yous x

[@bewoodford2807]

You have the same cloches as me Clare- the're great, aren't they! It would have freaked me out coming across lots of little rats- I am happy with mice- think they are sweet, but rats, - no way. I get how emotional it must have been to clear patches' stable, Bless you ❤ Happy growing my lovely

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Evening.. .I love those cloches, especially that they stack so neatly when not in use. Makes storage so easy. I’m not a fan of rats either but the baby ones looked quite cute, weirdly. I still would rather they disappeared. Very emotional to be in Patches stable, but I’m pleased her used deep litter base can go towards the garden. The compost has heated up quite a bit since adding it on Thursday. Finding some of her hair did hit me hard though. Wasn’t mentally prepared for that. Hope you have a lovely week. See you next Sunday x

[@blackrabbit6265]

Nice compost. The garden looks well-organised and tidy. Its a pleasure to look at.

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Thank you so much. I have a slightly chaotic mind at times, so I have a desire for things to be organised … it soothes the mind. I was so pleased with the compost ❤️

[@TheGrowUpChannel]

I absolutely LOVED this video clare. Such a feel good vibe to it. That rat jumping made me jump 😂😂 high 5 for the blauhilde bean! They are prolific! The leeks will be fine, being moved. Here comes autumn and the clear out. Will soon be bare soil . Danny 🌱

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Thank you Danny. High praise indeed. ☺️ I’m looking forward to growing the Blauhilde next year. Those Blue Lake are supposed to dry for haricot beans nicely too, so I’m looking forward to those as well. So much to clear out and so much to get planted out too, on top of the winter projects and changes. Busy time. I have loved this first season and can’t wait to build on it for next year. Glad the leeks should be ok. The northern lights were a bit more established, so I chose not to move those. Have a fabulous week. Let’s hope its a dry one so we can both crack on

[@TheGrowUpChannel]

@TheFarmyardGarden blue lake are good too! Watch for slugs with those beans.. i find they always nab them first. I sowed 3 sets this year. Also test your blue lake beans.. as last year alot of gardeners had 0% germination from some packets.. including myself. Danny 🌱

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Oh no! That’s disappointing! I hope they do germinate for us all next year. Good thing is there’s a bit more of a window for sowing of beans than some other crops. I’m hoping to do some nematodes from early spring, to help with the slugs. I feel the longer I have this plot, the more the pests will find me. Be it rabbits, rats or slugs! Urrggh

[@trold1969]

Might be tons of marigolds for you next year. I had marigolds last year and they popped up in my pots and planters where I didn't plan it but they were still very welcome. Amazing tomato harvest! I can relate to not wanting to take things down, I felt sad taking down cosmos and zinnias, but the season is over. Oh, that moment in Patches' box brought tears to my eyes. Part of her will be a part of your garden though. 💚

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

I think you could be right, Trude! Marigolds galore. Ha. I’m ok with them coming back next year. Like you say, they’ll be very welcome. I was so pleased with that tomato harvest, given the date. Those San Marzano have started to ripen since I filmed this too. More to come it seems. It’s awful seeing the end of the season. Some of my zinnias need to be removed too now. Really enjoyed them this season, along with those sweet peas. I really wanted the wet base to Patches deep litter bedding to have a use in the garden compost process. Did not expect to find some of her tail hair though. That hit hard. I miss her so much, but I’m somewhat relieved she doesn’t have to endure another winter at her age. The memories are so full of joy, love and core memories. ❤️ Hope you have a pleasant week, weather wise. Windy here today but forecast to be a little bit more settled (and warmer overnight) for the week ahead here.

[@jaynekennedy8469]

If you get most of the soil off of the leek roots then swill them around in a bucket of water, the roots separate without so much damage

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

That would have been a good idea! I’ll remember that for the future, thank you Jayne. ☺️

[@kirstypollock6811]

Hi! Garden still looking good! I'm watching this in a break between some very relaxed tidy up of the garden. I have made a lot of basic tomato sauce and bottled it. I just do it really plain, salt, pepper, garlic, onion. I can add Italian herbs or curry or chilli when I use it. But it's still a big shortcut because it's already cooked. Probably got 2 more batches to do.

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

It’s so wet and windy here today, Kirsty, no gardening for me. That sounds very much like my planned recipe for canning the sauces. I’m a very bland eater, and some recipes just require less herbs/spices, so I’m adopting your view of making a plain sauce which can be added to when cooking. I’m going to be spending a big day at it I think, when I make time for it, as I’ve never done it before. Got two giant pots, a foodmill and an array of jars. I am quite worried about the whole botulism thing though, due to inexperience, but hopefully it’ll be ok 😅😅 Hoping we all get a lovely gardening week ahead. Overnight forecasted temps have risen until the end of the month, so fingers crossed our last remaining summer crops do get to harvest See you next week 🥰

[@lindajones3015]

Aah. Sunday morning coffee break sorted. Once again, a lovely video. Thank you, Claire. Your compost shock is the reason my husband insists on buying my compost 😂 I grow in my garden so he draws the line at compost bins. Your compost looks fabulous though 👌 I really felt for you when you went into your stable. Happy and sad memories. Your plot looks beautiful, as always. 😊😊

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

I’m glad to have been a service of you, Linda 😂 ☕️ What rotten weather today. I’d make it a long coffee break if I were you. Wild outside. I have to say, that’s the first time it’s happened to me and I was super shocked. Two little heads popped up to say hello. Those bins are moving over winter/early spring, so a bit further away from the plot. I can completely understand why you wouldn’t want compost close to the house. I did put some small tomatoes, unlikely to ever mature, and a few very tiny carrots in it when thinning last week. I guess that was a mistake. Oops. The compost was brilliant though, wasn’t it? Just a shame it makes so little when finished. 😅😀 Yes, it was emotional going back in to the stable again, but I left all the underneath of her deep litter pellet bedding for this reason. I just overlooked how tough it’d be to go back in there. Thank you for such lovely comments and the support. Enjoy your gardening week Linda. See you next Sunday. There’s going to be an exciting WOW reveal of something to become a restoration project for the garden in next week’s video 😍😚

[@lindajones3015]

@TheFarmyardGarden Ooh. Excited now! See you next week.

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Honestly, I’ve hinted at this thing in a previous video but we’ve unconverted a piece of Victorian history that needs preserving. Can’t wait to share it with you ❤️

[@MarvaLarcher]

Beautiful garden!

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Thank you ☺️

[@paulineellison9047]

i put wire netting under the compost bins to stop rat for getting in mine no rats so far thanks for the link for the cloches

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

We might do something like that when we move them Pauline, but they’re slatted fronted, so they’ll just go in that way anyway. Gave me such a fright 😅 I love the little cloches. They are just so handy for this time of year, and early spring

[@myrustygarden]

I can’t believe how much is still growing in the poly 😮, you have definitely made a fantastic job of your first full season Clare. Imagine what next year can do ❤. Have a dry 🤞and safe week ahead, Ali ☔️☔️☔️🇨🇦

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

I’m so pleased with it Ali. It’s been far more productive than I expected. Kind of need to get the winter crops in it though 😅😅 I’m looking forward to next year. Hope you have good weather forecast for the week ahead. It’s warmer overnight here at the moment, so I’m hoping the last of tomatoes will go ahead and ripen. I can’t wait to show you what we’ve unearthed in the garden this week. You’re going to love it ❤️

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Compost looks good😊

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

So pleased with it

[@WithrowUrbanHomestead]

I share your excitement about using your own compost! It’s a great feeling.

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

It’s the best feeling, as it’s such an expensive resource to buy! I need to make more, as we have all the necessary ingredients on the farm here to make compost on a large scale. Need to really look in to it seriously. Thanks for watching. Enjoy your gardening week on your homestead 😍

[@barryroberts6470]

Hi Clare, your garden is looking great even when it's half empty. I remember the day you mentioned about your horse passing away i think sometimes we grieve more for our animal friends than we do our human ones, i still miss my dog to this day, i have her collar and lead but i won't part with them. How is your daughter doing and how was the wedding, i have been too ill to be bothered watching some videos so i have missed alot. TC. Barry (Wirral)

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Hi Barry, lovely to hear from you. I hope you are on the mend now? Sounds like you’ve been through an awful time. I won’t get rid of her head collar and some of her rugs either. I can’t imagine another horse in her stable, it would just seem so wrong after 19 years. I’m sorry about your dog. I still miss my very first dog and he died in 2009. It’s the most unconditional love. The wedding went very well, all things considered, thank you. Hannah hopefully has her reversal op at the start of next month and can finally begin to put this whole ordeal behind her. Routine gallbladder operation that resulted in sepsis and a stoma after the initial surgeon severed her bile ducts. It’s been a truly horrific time for us all, obviously Hannah being the one to have suffered. Wouldn’t wish it on anyone. However, she’s much braver than I am, Barry, and made the best of it for her wedding day. Was very emotional. Take care x

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Your cosmos look so much better than mine

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

I had no idea it would keep going so long

[@potagermalo]

Coucou Le compost est important au potager 😊 A bientôt

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Merci. J'ai bien aimé faire du compost cette année. Bonne semaine

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Omg this happens to me today and jasmine run off and I was like oh hello little ratty lol I think I've spent so much time in the garden now it don't matter to me no more... you know what I'm like worth mice lol 😅

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

lol you just chat to the mice as they wander under your nose 😂😂

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

@ lol appearly same with rats

[@chrissiehart22]

I got rid of my compost bin several years ago. I inherited from previous owner. It was a darlic style and one day I saw a snake next to it surrounded by 2 of my cats. It was near my bedroom window. I didn't care what type it was ,a snakes a snake . I didn't go into my garden for a long while not open my windows. When I did get rid of it several years later when I plucked up the courage the compost was rubbish and just a giant ants nest. In font regret getting rid of it but this year got a raised one that you turn n hope I won't have that problem and it's in a more accessible place. But I'm really looking forward to leaf mulch. Last winter I stuck few in a empty planter to tidy up and wow I was so surprised at the results.I have a builders bag ready for them this year and guessing I'll have Mr toad jumping out at me and making me scream like you did with the rats. Well done for tackling the stable. Big hugs x

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Oh my word, Chrissie, a SNAKE! Yikes, that’s cause to hand over the deeds to it and run for the hills! Shudder! 😳 I have to say, it’s the first time I’ve seen any rats in the compost bin. I always knew it was a risk though. Not a fan now I’ve spotted them. We are planning to move these bins, which seems more important now. Get them further away from the polytunnel. A giant ants nest. Yuck. I need to clarify, a nest of giant ants or just a giant nest of ants? Actually…..it doesn’t matter ants are ants I’d not be fond of that either! I don’t know how I manage to get through gardening, with my aversion to critters! I’ve seen the rotary type compost bins. That seems a good solution. I get SO excited over leaf mould making. I have no idea why. Do you think it’s the little child in us coming out? I used to love running amongst the fallen leaves in the local park in autumn. It was definitely emotional to go back in to her stable. I was doing ok until some of her tail hair was there. I do miss her but I’m also relieved she’s not having to endure an upcoming winter again at her age. Bless her xx See you next week.

[@chrissiehart22]

@@TheFarmyardGarden yes that compost bin was a right little nature reserve lol. Little ants but large nest, snake, and bumble bees nest. Not so scared of rats but not a fan neither. I have friends who have them for pets. Yes that's good idea to move the compost bays away from your crops for damage limitation. Have you thought of keeping some of horse hair in a memory keepsake. Etsy do lovely ways to preserve it. X See you next week x

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

@chrissiehart22 I already have lovely horse bracelets I had made a two years ago. I didn’t want to have them made after they’d passed, and associate it with that memory I have saved some of her hair again though, in case I want to have more pieces made. I used RAGZ Hotsehair Design Have to admit, after the initial OMG I did think the baby rat was cute 😂🥹

[@doras.allotment]

Clare, those luffas!! I really want to grow some for sponges next year... the one thing making me think I need to get a greenhouse/proper polytunnel for next year... but that would be an expensive luffa 🤣 Absolutely love your tidy poly and you should be so proud of your cucumber and tomato harvest! Goodness me that amazing compost!!! Did you buy those compost bays from somewhere & do you line the bottom or add direct to the ground? I think I may have to get a couple ☺ Oh golly those cheeky rats!! Sending a hug to you too ❤ Lovely video, really enjoyed watching this evening 🥰

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Hey Dora, I’m so proud of the luffas. If any of them have any viable seeds, I’ll happily send you some. Spread the Lex Luffa love about the country. Expensive Luffa, but you’d LOVE having the space. You have a green tunnel don’t you? First season with this polytunnel and I have to say it’s blown me away. I think it’s almost paid for itself already, when you consider how expensive artisan tomatoes are. I didn’t line the bottom of the compost bays, as you need worms to be able to gain access. We are moving them next year, and I think I will line the sides of them then, to see if they might last longer. I bought them from Primrose. I got three bins, to make two slightly taller ones. Here’s the link : www.primrose.co.uk/product/_/easy-load-wooden-compost-bin-medium-530-litres-by-lacewing/classid.15330/ It was so sad seeing Patches tail hair, unexpectedly hit me. She was such a special old girl. I still feel like I can see her in the field. The mind plays tricks. As for the rats….urrghg. ha ! Thanks for the comments. Glad you liked it, this one took a while to edit. xx

[@StellasVegetablegardens]

i was so nervous i couldn’t look 😢they scare me so badly i’m dreading mixing my allotment com-ost now

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Oh no…. I am so sorry, Stella. I didn’t mean for this video to scare you or give you a phobia about your own compost. If it’s any consolation, they were far more scared of me and just wanted to get away xx

[@StellasVegetablegardens]

@ don’t worry 😉 about it at all i chose to watch it despite knowing what would happen 🤣🤣😅 i know i will find lots of mice and frogs in the garden and it is worrying me but i still deal with them when i have to 😭😭😭🫣

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

@StellasVegetablegardens I am not a frog fan. If they jump at me…. ARRGGGH 🫣😅😅😂 I’m not the bravest for a farmer’s wife. I have to admit, I haven’t taken the cover off since…. Told Duncan that’s his job 😅😂

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

What is a lawn thing? You need to link that bad boy

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

The lead collector? I do. It’s in the description ☺️

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

@ epic I'll ask Santa

[@gardentours]

I would have sreamed as well 😂🤣

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

The noise that came out of me was other worldly 😅🤣🤣🤣

[@gardentours]

It's so sad to loose an animal 🐎😥 that one loved.

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

It really is. So many core memories too. I was a young mum when I first had her, a grandmother when she left us.

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Slugs are so bad this time of year

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Hate them! 🤬

[@bethanskitchengarden]

Great update Clare, your compost looks great. I went in our shed the other day and heard some scurrying from behind the shelves and we had a mouse in there, I'm not afraid of them but when something moves unexpectedly it can really make you jump can't it. I'm sorry about your horse, losing an animal is always hard and catches you when you least expect it. What variety of marigolds did you use? I want some small compact ones and wondered if you would recommend the ones you grew? Take care

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Hi Bethan It’s definitely the shock of unexpected guests which makes you jump. They were actually quite cute .. if you forget they’re vermin Green is similar.. creeps up on you in waves. I bought African and French marigolds (some sown, some plugs). They were all ok. I think it’s mainly colour preference moving forwards for me. I prefer the orange or two tone to ones. You’re going to love today’s video. Can’t wait to show you what we found in the garden. Hidden for decades.. magical! ❤️

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@TheFarmyardGarden ooh exciting, look forward to watching it 😊

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

I’m just watching you…. ❤️

[@bethanskitchengarden]

@@TheFarmyardGarden that doesn’t sound creepy at all 😂

[@TheFarmyardGarden]

Ha! I just realised how that read. Maybe I should have said “I’m just watching your latest video now….” 😂😂😂😂