I think I installed these raised beds at the allotment maybe 8 years ago. The timber used was treated, and I have kept on top of the woodwork with creosote every other year. Time is slowly taking it’s toll around the place, and a number of sections have given way to rot. I had to bite the bullet and start shifting quite a bit of soil out of the raised beds in order to access the wood to replace these rotted sections..

I will wait until there is a good dry spell in the weather forecast, paint everything again in creosote which will bring everything back up nice again. So these are the ‘before’ pictures so-to-speak.

I almost forgot completely about planting Garlic this year. I know I meant to get some planted in November. I guess the ground must have been frozen, then I must have simply forgotten about it? Never-the-less, Garlic is still on sale and there is still a little time to get some in the ground. Ideally, Garlic needs a bit of frost to do well. I have planted 24, in 4 rows of the variety ‘Flavor’ again this year. Planted in trowel-depth compost with lots of plant food.

With the un-seasonal February warmth, the Rhubarb is sprouting quickly this year. I am sure though that there will be a number of frosts, and even a little snow before spring.