Planting Shop Bought Shallots

Keeping a good supply of compost is something I have failed at again and again but this year, I am refusing to buy any. The manure heap is well rotted and looks like compost at the bottom so that's what I am using.

Last year, we received several loads of free tree chippings from local tree surgeons, who also brought us a trailer load of very stony topsoil. The wood chips were used to form paths and the top soil got narrowed into a corner for later use. Now is later, it's time to put it to good use. I'm riddling out the stones and will keep them for filling in holes and for drainage purposes.

After clearing out another small, raised bed, it got a new layer of composted pony manure and then a layer of riddled top soil. What am I going to plant? My free from Olio, (Tesco) shallots that had sprouted in their bags.

Raised bed now filled and 24 shallots planted. I have spaced them one every 20cm to form 4 rows of 6. According to my research, 24 could produce as many as 120 new shallots, more than enough to keep us going if these are a success. All have been watered in as the rain that was forecast for today has failed to materialise so far. 

I have now filled 6 beds with the following:

Shallots

Red onions

Beetroot

Potatoes

Cabbages

Strawberries

Isn't it great how some decent weather in early spring can give you a real boost when it comes to getting things done outdoors and then you look indoors and see all the things that don't get done? Ach! What's a layer of dust between frugal friends? 

Most of the supermarkets are offering cheap vegetables just now so we are well stocked up with carrots, parsnips, potatoes and swedes. At just 8p each, it's crazy to overlook such bargains. Even as treats for the ponies and goats, they are an affordable luxury. For us, plenty of soup making will get done over the coming week to help keep the grocery budget in check.

Don't forget you can subscribe to Friends of Frugaldom to support our voluntary project, with funds contributing towards feeding & caring for the animals, creating new habitat, planting woodlands, improving the 'paddock paradise' pony track system and feeding the wildlife. Members are welcome anytime and can make the most of the bowtop gypsy wagon and cosy huts, subject to conditions.