Guy's I wanted to share with you the journey I went through today, I started to erect my hoop house.
I don't know if you're aware of this but I started a project a couple of years ago, this was called project SOB (save our butterflies)
Well, things started slowly, and my garden at home is dedicated to the project just by the plants and weeds I have growing, But I wanted to step up my game, and to do this I got an allotment.
When I took the allotment I told the council my plans and I had no intention of growing vegetables, they seemed to be happy with me helping nature and gave me an allotment.
But with Covid-19 coming into play at the beginning of the year, my wife told me to add vegetables to the plot as we might need them later this year, if there was a food shortage.
So we began by planting food, and to be honest, I have enjoyed growing and tasting my own food. the raspberries have been amazing it has to be said.
But I still wanted to continue with my project to help our winged friends and after asking around I was able to get a hoop house for nearly free.
The hoops were given to me by another plot holder who likes my idea to help our butterflies.
The problem I have is I have never built a hoop house in my life and his words rang in my ears for hours after collecting it, "you'll work something out".
Now I knew there were parts missing from the hoop house, but I decided to use a trampoline to help in the build.
And no, I wasn't jumping up and down on it while I put it together, but I cut the metal poles on the trampoline to make some ground anchors.
This means that the hoops just sit in the metal I have used and holds everything in place.
The idea behind the hoop house is to collect the caterpillars from nearby and introduce them to the hoop house where they can live without the treat of been eaten by other animals. this will give them a better chance of making it to the butterfly stage.
I had to dig holes and use a spirit level to get it up and another idea popped into my head, I decided to line the inside of the hoops with a plastic net so it reinforces the structure.
The hoop house is a good size and I am only using 3 hoops, it sits at 14ft wide by 12ft long and 7 ft high.
The problem with the size of this hoop house is we have had to move our fruit trees and plants as there isn't enough space to have both in the back part of the plot
but moving the trees gives me enough space to add food plants for the caterpillars and have some flowers for nectar for the butterflies.
Take a look at how it looks at the minute, there are still loads to be done but up to now, I think it is coming on.
Until next time guys, stay safe.