Thanks @Fairygirl … it’s certainly a tough way of life up there in Scotland … thankfully our smallholding was in the ‘softer climate of Suffolk … and 9 acres was at least a reasonable size to run stock on. 😊
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I'm hoping to start a permaculture type system with the croft - growing as much fruit and veg herbs as i can for personal use with any extra produce going to the local coummunity.
I'm going to put up a poly tunnel to help out along with some raised beds.
I would also like to plant various tree's around the croft for the birds/bee's insects - I have about 30 small tress/shrubs/ connifers in pots at the momemt for planting out later on but will get more
You'll probably need a 'sacrificial' shelter belt, depending on where you're located. How well any of those trees/shrubs will thrive, will depend largely on that. A physical windbreak - usually netting, is often needed to help with establishment.
Good luck with it. It won't be easy
Indeed @Dovefromabove. Up there, the Home Counties it ain't
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Look up Martin Crawford's books on agroforestry. He's working in a totally different climate but his books are very thorough and give plenty of information about climate and soil for different perennial fruit and veg plants. 'How to create a forest garden' gives a lot of detail on planning, including shelter belts and sheet mulching to clear the ground. It may not have all the answers you need, but it'll give you viewpoints that are very different to the more traditional cultivation using annuals and more suited to permaculture techniques
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Fairygirl - Yeah it can get a little windy up in Caithness I will have to look into some form of protection.
Raisingirl - thanks for the info, I'm just starting to read up abit about agroforestry recently, its quite interesting. I have come across the basic sheet mulching using cardboard a few weeks ago and have been considering doing that and work my way around the croft.
Here are a few picture of how it looked when i first got it - i have removed all the junk /bonfire rubbish, the old caravan and office is now gone also. There was no mention of services in the sale info, but I have located water and electicity pipes/wires so thats been a bonus.
There's a concrete base where the old caravan is now and should have a small cabin built hopefully by the end of the month.
Oh wow it looks amazing, what a place! (although it looks like you have your work cut out!) Not my area at all so I may be way off but could you loan a couple of goats to help get the sward down?
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Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Good luck with it. It won't be easy
Indeed @Dovefromabove. Up there, the Home Counties it ain't
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.