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Broad beans are already pushing up in the small tunnel in November 2021. The layer of organic matter around the Broad Beans is decomposing Bracken from the meadow. We are continually adding more organic matter to help condition and improve the existing clay soil.

Filling bottles with water in this way means the Ollas are working for a much longer time before needing to be refilled. The Pak Choi and Broccoli are being munched by small creatures in this part of the tunnel.

We were recently introduced to the wonderful ancient Chinese technique of using Olla in our indoor growing spaces. The terracotta cones enable the water to pass into the soil gradually. There’s much less weeding and watering to do as well so there’s more time to do other things in the tunnel.