Getting the run covered for winter

Summer seemed to come to a sudden end. We were having an unusually late hot spell then the next day it was cool and wet and rained for a week. This coincided with us having a really busy period work wise and I felt frustrated that the run was turning into a quagmire and we had no time to get it covered. There were muddy puddles forming and the girls had muddy feet but also it was horrible for me to clean up.

It would have to wait until our first weekend with a bit of time which was this weekend. The positive is that the weather has dried up and warmed up. This meant the job was easier to do and I am hoping the run will soon dry out and then stay reasonably dry.

We thought we would try to learn from our mistakes and make a better job this winter than last year. I bought a plastic sheet from our local D.I.Y. store which at a cost of £12.00 is not too bad for a winters dry cover. My husband said he thought this time we should put the plastic under the mesh roof rather than over it. It would be easier to put up and would look better from outside and from the neighbours view.

We only have to cover half the garden area as the other half has the plastic panels which can be open or shut as needed. We got the sheet in place then stapled it to the wooden beams. My husband then attached some wooden batons with some spare wood from our shed to strengthen it and stop it pulling away from the staples.

I also attached some of the plastic to the sides of the run over the patio area. Last year the rain still came in here and the patio was often wet so this year I am going to try to keep the patio area dry.

I poured a can of water over the run to see if there were any pools and was pleased to see that it ran away quite well although it does run in a bit at the veg plot end.

Once the run was covered I cleaned up then dug the run over to break up the soil and help it dry out. The girls really enjoyed this bit as they got loads of worms while I was digging. I then cleaned the patio area as best I could, it will be better when it’s dried out and I can sweep it as adding more water wasn’t helping. I cleaned the feeders and drinkers and feel it’s the best it’s going to be until it really dries out properly. Once dry it should stay dry and I don’t mind the odd wet bit, rain always comes in from the edge of the veg plot, but as long as it’s mostly dry that is a vast improvement.

Covered side panel on the right hand side above the fence panel and covered run over the triangle shaped bit

Covered roof on the left hand side and the run is dug over

How it looks from the outside

Summers end sedum

I thought I would end with one of the remaining bits of colour in the garden.

I am so pleased to have got the run under cover for the winter and am looking forward to it drying out now. I am sure the girls will be happier in the dry although they don’t seem that bothered about mud but I know I will be happier without it. A good job done!