Mossdale Permaculture Workbook

A Complete Year Planner for Establishing a Permaculture & Biodynamic Holding

Mossdale, Glenkens · DG7 2NE · 55.08°N, 4.17°W

October 2026 – September 2027

Site Analysis: Mossdale, DG7 2NE

Glenkens, Dumfries & Galloway — Ken Valley, Southern Uplands of Scotland

Location & Topography

Latitude55.08°N

Longitude4.17°W

Altitude~72m

ValleyKen Water / Water of Ken

AspectValley runs N–S

Nearest townNew Galloway (3 km)

Climate Classification

KöppenCfb (oceanic)

USDA Zone8a (-12 to -10°C)

RHS HardinessH5

Growing season~170 days

Last spring frostLate April / early May

First autumn frostMid–late October

Growing degree days~1200 (base 5.5°C)

Annual Climate Averages

Annual rainfall1,400–1,600mm

Annual sunshine~1,100 hours

Mean temperature8.5°C

Warmest monthJuly (18°C high)

Coldest monthJanuary (0°C low)

Prevailing windSouth-west

Air frosts/year~72 days

Snow days15–25

Day Length (sunrise to sunset)

Winter solstice6h 50m

Spring equinox12h 15m

Summer solstice17h 35m

Autumn equinox12h 15m

October average10h 30m

Twilight bonus+45–60 min at this lat

Monthly Weather Reference

Month	High °C	Low °C	Rain mm	Sun hrs	Frost days	Soil temp °C	Day length
Oct	11	5	140	70	4	9–11	10h 30m
Nov	8	2	150	45	9	6–8	8h 15m
Dec	6	1	155	30	13	4–6	6h 55m
Jan	5	0	150	35	15	3–5	7h 20m
Feb	6	0	110	55	13	3–5	9h 10m
Mar	8	1	100	85	10	5–7	11h 30m
Apr	11	3	80	120	6	7–9	13h 50m
May	14	5	75	160	2	10–12	16h 00m
Jun	16	8	80	155	0	13–15	17h 25m
Jul	18	10	90	140	0	15–17	16h 40m
Aug	17	10	100	130	0	15–16	14h 40m
Sep	15	8	120	100	0	12–14	12h 30m

Geology & Soils

Underlying Geology

The Mossdale area sits within the Southern Uplands terrane, underlain by Silurian greywacke and shale (Hawick Group). These are hard, metamorphosed sedimentary rocks — folded turbidite sequences laid down ~430 million years ago on an ancient ocean floor.

The valley floor carries glacial drift deposits (boulder clay/till) left by ice sheets ~12,000 years ago, with bands of alluvium along the Ken Water from post-glacial river action. Some fluvioglacial sand and gravel deposits occur as terraces.

Soil Types & Character

Brown forest soil (acid) — on well-drained slopes. Free-draining, stony, moderate depth. pH 4.5–5.5. Low base status.

Peaty podzol & peaty gley — on higher/flat ground. Waterlogged, acidic, high organic matter. pH 3.5–4.5. Iron pan may be present.

Alluvial soil — along Ken Water. Deeper, more fertile, better structured. pH 5.0–6.0. Best agricultural land on site.

Boulder clay / glacial till — valley floor. Heavy, poorly drained in places. pH 5.0–5.5. Benefits from drainage and organic matter.

Soil improvement strategy: Most Mossdale soils are acid (pH 4.5–5.5) and low in phosphorus and potassium. Lime to raise pH to 6.0–6.5 for vegetable beds. Apply rock phosphate for long-term phosphorus. Add seaweed meal (from the Solway coast) for trace elements. Build organic matter with compost, green manures, and deep mulch. Blueberries and ericaceous plants thrive in the natural acid soil without amendment.

Native Ecology

Natural Habitat Context

The Glenkens historically supported Atlantic oakwood (Quercus petraea) on drier slopes, birch-hazel woodland on lighter soils, and alder-willow carr in wet valley bottoms. Higher ground carries blanket bog and acid grassland. The Galloway Forest Park nearby holds Scotland's largest remaining tracts of this habitat.

Indicator species: Sessile oak, downy birch, hazel, rowan, holly, alder, willow, blaeberry, heather, sphagnum moss, wood sorrel, primrose
Wildlife: Red squirrel, otter, badger, roe deer, red deer (at altitude), osprey, red kite (reintroduced), buzzard, sparrowhawk, dipper, grey wagtail
Phenological markers: Snowdrops late January; hazel catkins February; primrose March; swallows arrive late April; hawthorn blossom mid-May; grass growth starts late March

Permaculture Zone Plan for Mossdale

Zone 0 – The House

Herb windowsills, sprout growing, seed storage, planning space. South-facing windows for seedling propagation.

Zone 1 – Intensive (0–10m)

Polytunnel, cold frames, raised beds, herb spiral, salad beds, compost bins, rainwater collection. Visited daily. Sheltered from SW wind.

Zone 2 – Semi-Intensive (10–30m)

Fruit trees with guilds, soft fruit cage, main vegetable beds, poultry run, tool shed, propagation area, pond.

Zone 3 – Farm (30–100m)

Main crop potatoes, field-scale brassicas, nut trees (hazel coppice), green manure rotations, coppice woodland, bee hives.

Zone 4 – Semi-Wild

Rough grazing, firewood coppice, wild fruit gathering (bramble, elder, rowan, sloe), mushroom logs. Minimal management.

Zone 5 – Wild

Native woodland regeneration, wildlife habitat, observation area. No intervention. Learn from what nature does here.

Infrastructure & Support Systems

Essential structures and systems for a productive permaculture holding in upland Galloway

Priority order: In the first year, focus on items 1–5 below. These are the foundations without which food production in this wet, windy, short-season climate will be an uphill struggle. The polytunnel alone transforms what is possible.

Polytunnel (Essential)

Minimum 4m × 8m, ideally 4m × 12m or larger. Orient lengthways east–west for maximum winter light. Northern Polytunnels or First Tunnels supply to Scotland. Anchor with ground tubes in this windy location. Enables tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines, early salads, overwinter crops. Extends growing season by 6–8 weeks. Budget: £800–£2,500.

Windbreak Hedging (SW Side)

Mixed native/productive hedge on the prevailing wind side. Plant: hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, dog rose, elder, guelder rose, elaeagnus. A hedge filters wind (reducing it for a distance of 10× its height) rather than blocking it like a wall. 2–3 rows, staggered, 30cm apart. Plant November–March as bare-root whips. Budget: £150–£400 for 50m.

Raised Beds

6–10 beds, each 1.2m wide (reachable from both sides), 3–4m long. Untreated larch or Douglas fir boards, 20–30cm high. Orient north–south for even light. Fill with mix of topsoil, compost, and well-rotted manure. Raised beds warm faster in spring and improve drainage on heavy Galloway clay. Budget: £30–£60 per bed.

Compost System

Three-bay hot compost system: one filling, one cooking, one ready. Each bay ~1m³. Build from pallets or untreated timber. Add a worm bin (under cover) for kitchen waste. Essential for building the poor Galloway soils. Site near Zone 1 for convenience. Add biodynamic preparations (BD502–507) to each batch. Budget: £50–£200.

Rainwater Harvesting

With 1,500mm annual rainfall, water is abundant. Collect from polytunnel, shed, and house roofs. Install 1,000–2,000 litre IBC tanks or water butts. A 4m × 12m polytunnel roof captures ~72,000 litres per year. Gravity-feed to beds if terrain allows. Use for all watering — rainwater is better for acid-loving plants than mains water. Budget: £100–£500.

Cold Frames (2–4)

For hardening off seedlings, overwintering salads, and early sowings. Build from reclaimed window frames or buy aluminium-framed. Position against south-facing wall or polytunnel side. Budget: £30–£150 each.

Fruit Cage

Netted enclosure for soft fruit (currants, gooseberries, blueberries). Essential — birds will take the entire crop without it. 3m × 6m minimum. 19mm mesh netting over a timber or metal frame, 2m high. Budget: £200–£600.

Tool & Potting Shed

Dry storage for tools, potting bench, seed storage, chitting potatoes. Collect rainwater from roof. Position near Zone 1. Budget: £300–£1,500.

Wildlife Pond

Even a small pond (2m × 3m, 60cm deep) transforms beneficial insect populations. Attracts frogs (slug predators), dragonflies, hoverflies. Line with butyl rubber. Sloping sides for wildlife access. Plant with native marginals: flag iris, marsh marigold, water mint. Budget: £100–£400.

Deer Fencing (if needed)

Roe deer are present throughout the Glenkens and will devastate young trees and vegetables. If deer pressure is high, install 1.8–2m high stock fencing around productive areas. Budget: £5–£10 per metre installed.

Herb Spiral

A raised spiral structure near the kitchen door. Dry-stone construction using local greywacke. Creates multiple microclimates in a small space: dry/sunny at top, moist/shaded at base. Plant: thyme, rosemary (top); sage, oregano (middle); mint, chives, parsley (base). Budget: £0–£50 (use local stone).

Chicken House & Run (Optional)

4–6 hens provide eggs, pest control, manure, and entertainment. Mobile ark or fixed house with fox-proof run. Rotate through vegetable beds after harvest to clean up pests and add fertility. Heritage breeds suited to Scotland: Scots Grey, Scots Dumpy, Cream Legbar. Budget: £200–£600 for housing.

Plants, Guilds & Forest Garden Layers

Species selected for Galloway — wet oceanic climate, acid soils, ~72m altitude in the Glenkens valley

What does NOT work outdoors here: Sweetcorn (too cool/short season), peppers, aubergines, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, courgettes (all require polytunnel), tender herbs like basil (polytunnel only), figs (marginal even against a wall), apricots, peaches, most walnuts. The polytunnel extends your range enormously.

Forest Garden — Seven Layers

Layer 1: Canopy Trees

Species	Varieties for Mossdale	Notes
Apple	James Grieve, Discovery, Fiesta, Charles Ross, Bramley (cooking), Howgate Wonder, Keswick Codlin, Lord Derby, Rev W Wilks	Most reliable fruit tree. Choose M26 or MM106 rootstock. Needs pollination partner. Plant 3–5 trees minimum.
Plum	Victoria, Czar, Marjorie's Seedling, Opal	Self-fertile varieties best. Pixy rootstock for smaller trees. Prune in summer only (silver leaf risk).
Cherry	Morello (acid cherry), Stella, Sunburst	Morello is hardiest and tolerates north-facing walls. Sweet cherries need shelter.
Pear	Conference, Concorde, Williams' Bon Chrétien	Possible with shelter. Needs warm, south-facing wall. Quince A rootstock.
Alder (Alnus glutinosa)	Native species	Nitrogen-fixing canopy tree. Essential for system fertility. Tolerates wet ground. Plant on boundaries.
Birch (Betula pendula/pubescens)	Native species	Pioneer species. Light canopy allows understorey. Birch sap harvest in March.

Layer 2: Small Trees / Understorey

Species	Notes
Hazel (Corylus avellana)	Native. Nuts, bean poles, hurdles, pea sticks. Coppice on 7-year rotation. Cobnut varieties: Kentish Cob, Cosford.
Elder (Sambucus nigra)	Flowers for cordial (June), berries for wine/syrup (September). Fast-growing. Tolerates poor soil.
Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)	Universal pollinator for apple trees. Fruit for jelly. John Downie is best fruiting variety.
Damson	Merryweather, Farleigh Damson, Shropshire Prune. Hardier than plums. Superb for jam and gin. Self-fertile.
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)	Native. Berries for jelly (with apple). Hardy at any altitude. Bird food. Beautiful autumn colour.
Bird Cherry (Prunus padus)	Native. Early flowers for pollinators. Small fruit for birds and jam.

Layer 3: Shrub Layer

Species	Varieties	Yield / Notes
Blackcurrant	Ben Sarek, Ben Hope, Ben Lomond, Big Ben	Heavy cropper. High vitamin C. Makes best jam. Prune: remove 1/3 old wood annually.
Redcurrant	Jonkheer van Tets, Red Lake, Rovada	Jelly, juice, fresh. Tolerates some shade. Prune as a goblet.
Whitecurrant	White Versailles, Blanka	Sweetest currant for eating fresh. Same cultivation as redcurrant.
Gooseberry	Invicta (green, mildew-resistant), Leveller, Hinnonmäki Red	Pies, jam, fool. Thorny but productive. Prune for open centre.
Raspberry	Glen Ample (summer), Glen Prosen, Autumn Bliss, Polka (autumn)	Excellent for Galloway. Autumn types fruit on current year's wood. Summer types on previous year's.
Blueberry	Bluecrop, Duke, Patriot, Spartan	Acid soil — perfect for Mossdale without amendment! Needs ericaceous conditions. Net against birds.
Honeyberry	Duet, Blue Velvet, Borealis	Very hardy (-40°C). Early fruiting (May/June). Unusual blue fruit. Needs two varieties for pollination.
Jostaberry	(Blackcurrant × gooseberry hybrid)	Vigorous, disease-resistant. Large dark fruit. No thorns. Heavy cropper.
Aronia (Chokeberry)	Viking, Nero	Extremely hardy. High antioxidant berries. Makes good juice and jam. Tolerates wet soil.
Rosa rugosa	Rubra, Alba	Rosehips for syrup (vitamin C). Tough windbreak. Flowers for pollinators. Edible petals.
Elaeagnus	E. x ebbingei, E. umbellata (Autumn Olive)	Nitrogen-fixing shrub. Edible berries. Evergreen shelter. Essential guild support plant.
Sea Buckthorn	Pollmix (male), Hergo, Leikora (female)	Nitrogen-fixing. Vitamin-rich orange berries. Thorny. Needs male + female plants. Tolerates poor soil.

Layer 4: Herbaceous / Perennial Vegetables

Species	Role / Use
Comfrey (Bocking 14)	Dynamic accumulator (deep roots mine minerals). Chop-and-drop mulch. Liquid feed. Bee plant. Plant everywhere.
Rhubarb (Timperley Early, Victoria)	First harvest of the year (March). Force for early crop. Tolerates wet. Practically indestructible here.
Good King Henry	Perennial spinach. Eat shoots like asparagus, leaves like spinach. Medieval pot herb. Thrives in Scotland.
Welsh Onion	Perennial bunching onion. Cut-and-come-again. Never needs replanting.
Lovage	Giant celery-flavoured herb. Soup, stew. Attracts hoverflies. Very hardy.
Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata)	Anise-flavoured leaves & seeds. Reduces sugar needed in fruit dishes. Native to Scotland.
Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)	Native. Spreads in shade. Leaves March–May. Pesto, soup, salad. Flowers edible.
Sorrel	Perennial salad leaf. Sharp lemon flavour. Soup, salad, sauce. Buckler-leaf sorrel for salad.
Salad Burnet	Evergreen salad herb. Cucumber flavour. Self-seeds. Good ground cover.
Yarrow	Dynamic accumulator. BD502 preparation. Beneficial insect attractor. First aid herb.
Borage	Supreme bee plant. Edible flowers. Self-seeds. Dynamic accumulator of potassium.
Meadowsweet	Native. Wet ground indicator. Tea, cordial. Historical medicine plant of the Glenkens.

Layer 5: Ground Cover

Species	Notes
Strawberry (Honeoye, Cambridge Favourite, Mara des Bois)	Fruit and ground cover. Replace every 3 years. Mara des Bois is everbearing.
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)	Tiny aromatic fruit. Self-spreading. Shade tolerant. Alpine strawberry similar.
White Clover (Trifolium repens)	Nitrogen-fixing. Living mulch under trees. Bee forage. Sow at 2g/m².
Creeping Thyme	Aromatic. Bee forage. Tolerates light foot traffic. Good between paving stones.
Ajuga reptans (Bugle)	Native. Shade-tolerant ground cover. Blue flower spikes for pollinators.

Layer 6: Root / Rhizosphere

Species	Notes
Jerusalem Artichoke	Tubers. Windbreak (grows to 3m). Extremely easy. Harvest November–March. Warning: very invasive.
Oca (Oxalis tuberosa)	Andean tuber. Harvest after first frost (late Oct). Lemony flavour. Needs long season — start in pots March.
Skirret	Sweet white root. Medieval vegetable. Perennial — leave some roots to regrow.
Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum)	Nasturtium relative. Edible tubers. Very late harvest. Marginal here — polytunnel recommended.

Layer 7: Climbers

Species	Notes
Tayberry	Raspberry × blackberry cross. Large aromatic fruit. Train on wires. Very productive in Scotland.
Loganberry	Similar to tayberry. Thornless varieties available (LY654). Sharp flavour, excellent cooked.
Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta)	Small smooth-skinned fruit. Needs male + female. Vigorous climber. Issai is self-fertile.
Runner Bean	Annual climber. Scarlet Emperor, Painted Lady. Flowers attract pollinators.
Climbing French Bean	Blue Lake, Cobra. More reliable than runners in cool summers.

Permaculture Guilds for Mossdale

Apple Tree Guild

Central Tree Apple (any variety above) on M26 or MM106 rootstock

Nitrogen Fixers White clover (ground layer), Elaeagnus (shrub), Lupins (herbaceous)

Dynamic Accumulators Comfrey (Bocking 14), Yarrow, Dandelion

Pest Confusers Chives, Garlic chives, Nasturtium, Tansy, Lemon balm

Pollinator Attractors Borage, Phacelia, Calendula

Ground Cover White clover, Wild strawberry, Creeping thyme

Suppressors Daffodil bulbs (narcissus ring deters grass encroachment and voles)

Plant comfrey 1m from trunk. Chives in a ring at 50cm. Clover and strawberry as ground cover from 1m outward to drip line. Nasturtium as annual sacrificial trap crop for aphids.

Plum / Damson Guild

Central Tree Victoria plum or Merryweather damson on Pixy rootstock

Nitrogen Fixers White clover, Winter tares/vetch

Dynamic Accumulators Comfrey, Dandelion, Chicory

Pest Confusers Garlic chives, Fennel, Southernwood

Pollinator Attractors Calendula, Borage, Oregano

Ground Cover Strawberry, Creeping thyme, Ajuga

Cherry Guild

Central Tree Morello cherry (acid, self-fertile) on Colt rootstock

Nitrogen Fixers White clover, Crimson clover (annual)

Dynamic Accumulators Comfrey, Borage

Pest Confusers Alliums (chives, garlic chives), Marigold (Tagetes)

Pollinator Attractors Lemon balm, Hyssop, Sweet cicely

Ground Cover Wild strawberry, Ajuga, Violets

Nitrogen-Fixing Support Guild

Trees Alder (Alnus glutinosa) — the workhorse N-fixer for wet Galloway land

Large Shrubs Elaeagnus, Sea buckthorn, Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Gorse (Ulex europaeus)

Small Shrubs Siberian pea shrub (Caragana arborescens), Laburnum (poisonous but N-fixing)

Herbaceous Lupins, Red clover, White clover, Bird's-foot trefoil, Vetch, Sainfoin

Green Manures Field beans (Vicia faba), Crimson clover, Winter tares, Phacelia (not N-fixing but superb bee plant)

Aim for 30% nitrogen-fixing species across the whole system. In a forest garden, plant one N-fixer for every two productive trees.

Annual Vegetable Varieties for Mossdale

Crop	Recommended Varieties	Sow	Harvest	Notes
Potato	Sharpe's Express, Duke of York (1st early); Maris Peer (2nd early); Sarpo Mira, Sarpo Axona (maincrop, blight-resistant)	Apr	Jun–Oct	Sarpo varieties essential for blight resistance in wet climate
Kale	Dwarf Green Curled, Nero di Toscana (cavolo nero), Red Russian, Pentland Brig	Mar–Jun	Oct–Apr	The king of winter vegetables here. Hardy to -15°C. Sweeter after frost.
Leek	Musselburgh (heritage Scottish!), Autumn Mammoth, King Richard	Feb–Mar	Oct–Apr	Utterly reliable. Musselburgh bred for this climate. Stand all winter.
Broad Bean	Aquadulce Claudia (autumn sow), The Sutton (dwarf), Crimson Flowered	Oct/Feb–Apr	Jun–Aug	Autumn sowing gives earliest crop. Pinch out tops when blackfly appear.
Pea	Kelvedon Wonder, Hurst Green Shaft, Alderman (tall)	Mar–Jun	Jun–Sep	Succession sow every 3 weeks. Support with hazel pea sticks.
Cabbage	January King, Savoy (Vertus), Hispi (pointed spring), Red Drumhead	Feb–Jul	Jun–Mar	Year-round harvest possible with succession sowing.
Brussels Sprout	Groninger, Noisette, Trafalgar	Feb–Apr	Nov–Mar	Need long season. Firm soil. Stake against wind.
Broccoli	Purple Sprouting (Early & Late), Claret	Apr–May	Feb–Apr	Purple sprouting: one of Scotland's finest vegetables. Bridges the hungry gap.
Carrot	Nantes 2, Autumn King, Chantenay Red Cored	Apr–Jul	Jul–Nov	Needs stone-free soil. Grow in raised beds. Fleece against carrot fly.
Beetroot	Boltardy, Detroit Dark Red, Chioggia	Apr–Jul	Jul–Nov	Boltardy is bolt-resistant for early sowings. Store in sand.
Turnip	Purple Top Milan, Snowball, Golden Ball	Apr–Aug	Jun–Nov	Fast-growing. Traditional Galloway crop. Greens are edible too.
Swede	Marian, Best of All, Invitation	May–Jun	Oct–Mar	Classic Scottish root. Leave in ground all winter. Neeps for Burns Night!
Onion	Sets: Sturon, Stuttgart Giant; Seed: Ailsa Craig; Overwintering: Radar, Shakespeare	Sets Mar–Apr; Seed Jan–Feb	Aug–Sep	Sets more reliable than seed at this latitude. Dry well for storage.
Garlic	Solent Wight (softneck), Cristo (hardneck), Lautrec Wight	Oct–Nov	Jul	Autumn planting essential for good bulb size. Needs cold period.
Lettuce	All Year Round, Winter Density, Little Gem, Lollo Rossa	Mar–Aug	May–Nov	Succession sow every 2–3 weeks. Polytunnel for winter salad.
Chard	Bright Lights, Fordhook Giant, Perpetual Spinach (leaf beet)	Apr–Jul	Jun–Nov	Cut-and-come-again. Very reliable. Perpetual spinach is hardiest.
Spinach	Medania, Giant Winter, Perpetual (leaf beet)	Mar–Sep	May–Nov	Bolts in heat — not a problem here! True spinach prefers cool conditions.
Radish	French Breakfast, Cherry Belle, Mooli (winter)	Mar–Sep	Apr–Nov	Ready in 4–6 weeks. Intercrop between slow crops. Succession sow.
Parsnip	Tender and True, Gladiator, Hollow Crown	Mar–Apr	Oct–Mar	Slow to germinate. Sow fresh seed each year. Sweetens after frost.
Runner/French Bean	Scarlet Emperor (runner), Cobra, Blue Lake (climbing French)	May–Jun	Jul–Oct	Frost-tender. Direct sow after last frost or start in pots April.

Green Manures — Crop Rotation

Green Manure	Sow	N-Fixing?	Winter Hardy?	Notes
Field Beans (Vicia faba)	Sep–Nov	Yes	Yes	Best autumn/winter cover. Produces biomass. Dig in March/April.
Grazing Rye	Sep–Nov	No	Yes	Excellent winter ground cover. Deep roots break up compaction. Cut and compost spring.
Winter Tares (Vetch)	Aug–Oct	Yes	Yes	Good N-fixer. Mix with rye for best results.
Red Clover	Apr–Aug	Yes	Yes	Long-term ley (1–2 years). Deep-rooting. Excellent bee plant.
Phacelia	Apr–Sep	No	No	Best bee plant. Not related to any food crop — fits anywhere in rotation. Quick ground cover.
Mustard	Mar–Sep	No	No	Fast ground cover (3–4 weeks). Biofumigant — suppresses soil pests. Do NOT use before brassicas.
Buckwheat	May–Aug	No	No	Phosphorus accumulator. Bee plant. Tolerates poor soil.

Biodynamic Preparations Reference

Preparation	Material	Application	Timing at Mossdale
BD500	Horn manure (cow dung buried in cow horn over winter)	Stir 1 hour, spray on soil late afternoon. 60g per acre in 13 litres water.	Late March/early April (spring); September/October (autumn). Apply on descending moon, root or earth days.
BD501	Horn silica (ground quartz buried in cow horn over summer)	Stir 1 hour, spray fine mist early morning on plants. 2.5g per acre.	June–August. Apply on ascending moon, fruit or flower days. Clear morning essential. Enhances light forces.
BD502	Yarrow flowers in stag bladder	Added to compost heap	Make preparation: stuff bladder in autumn, hang over winter, bury spring–autumn. Regulates potassium and sulphur.
BD503	Chamomile flowers in cow intestine	Added to compost heap	Make: fill intestine autumn, bury over winter. Regulates calcium, stabilises nitrogen.
BD504	Stinging nettle	Added to compost heap	Bury nettles midsummer, leave 12 months. Enlivens soil, regulates iron.
BD505	Oak bark in skull	Added to compost heap	Fill skull autumn, bury in wet place over winter. Regulates calcium, combats disease.
BD506	Dandelion flowers in bovine mesentery	Added to compost heap	Wrap flowers autumn, bury over winter. Relates to silica and cosmic forces.
BD507	Valerian flower juice	Sprayed on compost heap surface	Press flowers June/July. Dilute and spray on finished compost. Regulates phosphorus, warmth.
BD508	Horsetail tea (Equisetum arvense)	Brew tea, spray on plants and soil	May onwards, especially before/during wet weather. Prevents fungal disease — critical in wet Galloway climate. Spray on descending moon.

October 2026

The year begins — harvest, plant, prepare. The permaculture year starts with the soil.

11°

High °C

5°

Low °C

140

Rain mm

Sun hrs

Frost days

10h30

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 October

Plant garlic cloves 15cm apart, 5cm deep, pointed end up (Solent Wight, Cristo)
Sow Aquadulce Claudia broad beans under cloches or in a cold frame — autumn-sown crop gives June harvest
Harvest remaining runner beans, courgettes (polytunnel), outdoor tomatoes if any
Lift and store maincrop potatoes — cure in dry dark place for 2 weeks before boxing
Begin collecting fallen leaves for leaf mould — fill wire cages, leave 1–2 years
Clean and store bean poles, canes, and supports
Apply BD500 (horn manure): stir for 1 hour late afternoon, spray on all soil. Autumn application — descending moon, root or earth day
Take soil samples for pH testing — send to lab or use home kit. Record results for each bed.

Week 2 — 8–14 October

Begin planting bare-root fruit trees (October–March window opens). Prepare planting holes: 60cm wide, fork base, add compost, stake before planting.
Order bare-root trees now if not already done — suppliers sell out of popular varieties
Divide rhubarb crowns — each piece needs at least one bud. Replant with well-rotted manure.
Lift and divide perennial herbs: chives, lemon balm, lovage, oregano
Earth up leeks with soil to blanch stems
Sow green manure on all cleared beds: field beans + grazing rye mix at 100g/m²
Begin clearing spent summer crops from polytunnel — compost healthy material, burn diseased
Check stored fruit and vegetables for rot weekly from now on

Week 3 — 15–21 October

Continue planting bare-root fruit trees — ideal conditions while soil is still warm
Mulch all fruit trees and bushes with 10cm well-rotted compost (keep clear of trunk)
Prune blackcurrants: remove oldest third of wood (dark, thick stems) at base
Net brassicas against pigeons — they strip plants in winter
Sow winter lettuce (Winter Density, Winter Gem) in polytunnel borders
Clean out cold frames, wash glass, prepare for winter salads and overwintering
Rake and stack fallen leaves into leaf mould cages
Turn compost heaps — check temperature with compost thermometer, should be 55–65°C

Week 4 — 22–31 October

Final harvest of frost-tender outdoor crops before first hard frost (usually mid–late October)
Protect tender perennials with horticultural fleece, straw mulch, or cloches
Plant bare-root hedging: hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, dog rose, elder at 5–6 plants per metre in double staggered row
Clean, sharpen, and oil all hand tools — coat metal with linseed oil for winter
Sort through seed collection — order new seed catalogues, plan spring orders
Dig new beds if needed — leave rough-dug for frost to break up clods over winter
Build or repair raised beds ready for spring — larch boards, 25cm high, 1.2m wide
Check and repair polytunnel cover, secure against winter storms. SW gales are the main risk.

Sowing & Planting

Crop	Method	Spacing	Notes
Garlic	Plant cloves direct	15cm × 30cm	Hardneck for flavour, softneck for storage
Broad Bean	Sow under cloche	20cm × 45cm	Aquadulce Claudia only for autumn sowing
Winter Lettuce	Sow in polytunnel	25cm × 25cm	Winter Density, Arctic King
Green Manure	Sow broadcast on cleared beds	Broadcast 100g/m²	Field beans + grazing rye mix
Fruit Trees	Plant bare-root	3–5m between trees	Stake before planting, water well
Hedging	Plant bare-root whips	30cm staggered double row	Mixed native species
Onion sets	Plant overwintering sets	10cm × 30cm	Radar, Shakespeare varieties
Spring Bulbs	Plant	As per species	Narcissus rings around fruit trees (guild)

Harvest

Kale Leeks Brussels Sprouts Parsnips Swede Carrots Beetroot Chard Spinach Cabbage Jerusalem Artichoke Apples (late) Autumn Raspberries Rosehips Sloes Elderberries Rowan berries Tomatoes (PT) Peppers (PT)

Biodynamic Notes — October: Prime window for autumn BD500 application. Apply on descending moon, ideally on a root or earth day. Late afternoon application, stirring for 1 full hour alternating directions. This enlivens the soil biology before winter dormancy. Also apply BD508 (horsetail) if late blight threatens polytunnel crops. Begin making BD502–507 compost preparations if you have materials ready.

November 2026

Bare-root planting season in full swing. Build the bones of the system now.

8°

High °C

2°

Low °C

150

Rain mm

Sun hrs

Frost days

8h15

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 November

Plant bare-root fruit trees — this is the ideal month. Soil still workable, roots establish before spring.
Stake and tie all newly planted trees. Use rubber buffer ties. Stake on windward (SW) side.
Mulch strawberry beds with straw to protect crowns from frost
Plant tulip bulbs (November is correct time for tulips, prevents tulip fire disease)
Sow winter-hardy pea varieties under cloches for earliest spring crop (Feltham First, Meteor)
Check polytunnel: ventilate on mild days to prevent fungal disease, close early afternoon
Begin winter pruning of apple and pear trees once all leaves have fallen
Collect and shred woody prunings for mulch material — use shredder or cut with secateurs

Week 2 — 8–14 November

Continue apple and pear winter pruning: remove dead, diseased, crossing branches. Open centre for air flow.
Plant bare-root hedging continues — ground usually still soft enough
Check drainage: clear ditches, gutters, and downpipes before heavy winter rains. Galloway winters are wet.
Harvest leeks, parsnips, kale, Brussels sprouts as needed through winter
Check all stored produce for rot — remove any affected items immediately
Repair polytunnel if damaged by storms. Carry spare polytunnel repair tape.
Plan next year's crop rotation: 4-bed system — legumes, brassicas, roots, alliums/others
Order seed potatoes now for best variety selection (suppliers like JBA Seed Potatoes, Carroll's Heritage)

Week 3 — 15–21 November

Winter dig any bare beds — leave rough for frost to break up clay. Do not dig waterlogged soil.
Spread well-rotted manure on empty beds at 5–10cm depth. Do not dig in — let worms incorporate it.
Cover beds not being dug with cardboard mulch, weighted with stones
Insulate outdoor water pipes and taps against freezing
Clean polytunnel glazing inside and out for maximum winter light penetration
Check overwintering crops for aphids, slugs — hand-pick or beer traps
Coppice hazel on 7-year rotation for bean poles, pea sticks, hurdles. Willow for basket material.
Process firewood — fell, cross-cut, split, stack in open-sided woodshed to season for next year

Week 4 — 22–30 November

Plant bare-root roses if desired
Protect container plants from frost: wrap pots in bubble wrap, group together against wall
Force rhubarb: cover one crown with forcing pot or upturned dustbin for early pink stems in February
Check for mice in compost bins and seed stores — set humane traps if needed
Make leaf mould cages from chicken wire — fill with collected leaves
Plan fruit tree guilds for spring underplanting — order plants
Order seeds for spring: Scottish seed suppliers include Tuckers Seeds, Real Seeds, Tamar Organics
Review and update garden plan — sketch on paper or use design software

Sowing & Planting

Crop	Method	Notes
Fruit Trees	Plant bare-root	Prime planting month. Apple, plum, cherry, damson, pear.
Hedging	Plant bare-root whips	Hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, dog rose, elder
Soft Fruit	Plant bare-root	Currant bushes, gooseberry, raspberry canes
Hardy Peas	Sow under cloche	Feltham First, Meteor. Mice protection essential.
Tulips	Plant bulbs	10cm deep. Last month for tulip planting.
Rhubarb	Plant divisions	Plant crowns just below surface with generous manure

Harvest

Kale Leeks Brussels Sprouts Parsnips Swede Cabbage (winter) Chard (last) Jerusalem Artichoke Celeriac Winter Lettuce (PT)

Biodynamic Notes — November: A quiet month for BD work. Focus on making compost and adding preparations BD502–507 to heaps. Begin burying BD500 horns if making your own (fill cleaned cow horns with fresh cow dung, bury in good soil by end of November, dig up in April). Observe the landscape entering dormancy — note which areas hold water, where frost pockets form.

December 2026

The darkest month. Study, plan, rest. The land sleeps — join it.

6°

High °C

1°

Low °C

155

Rain mm

Sun hrs

Frost days

6h55

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 December

Continue winter pruning of apple and pear trees on dry days
Check fruit tree stakes and ties — loosen if biting into bark
Harvest winter crops as needed: kale, leeks, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, Jerusalem artichoke
Sow early broad beans in modules in polytunnel for January planting out
Force witloof chicory roots in dark for winter salad
Maintain compost bins — cover with old carpet or plastic to keep rain off
Clean, sharpen, and oil all cutting tools: secateurs, loppers, saws
Review the year: what grew well, what failed, what to change. Write it down.

Week 2 — 8–14 December

Check stored produce — remove any with rot before it spreads
Harvest Jerusalem artichoke as needed — dig fresh, don't store
Continue planning crop rotation for coming year
Order seed potatoes early for best selection. First earlies: Sharpe's Express, Duke of York. Maincrop: Sarpo Mira.
Mulch asparagus beds with well-rotted manure
Check rabbit guards on young fruit trees — replace if damaged
Read: Mollison's Permaculture: A Designers' Manual, Whitefield's The Earth Care Manual

Week 3 — 15–21 December

Minimal outdoor work this week — shortest days. Focus on planning and reading.
Start chitting seed potatoes when they arrive: set in egg boxes, eyes up, in cool bright frost-free place
Clean and organize seed collection — check dates, discard old seed, update inventory
Winter solstice (21 December): shortest day, 6h 50m of daylight. Observe the stillpoint. The days begin to lengthen from here.
Study: permaculture design, biodynamic calendar, seed catalogues. This is your study season.

Week 4 — 22–31 December

Rest. Celebrate the turning of the year.
Check polytunnel ventilation on mild days
Harvest winter salads from polytunnel — lamb's lettuce, winter lettuce, land cress
Check forcing rhubarb — stems may be ready by late January
Plan and sketch the coming year's design on paper: where will new trees go, bed layout, guild planting

Harvest

Kale Leeks Brussels Sprouts Parsnips Swede Jerusalem Artichoke Stored Apples Winter Lettuce (PT) Lamb's Lettuce (PT)

Biodynamic Notes — December: Rest month. The BD500 horns are underground, quietly transforming. Study the Maria Thun biodynamic sowing calendar for the coming year — order from the Biodynamic Association. Note the rhythm of root, leaf, flower, and fruit days. The winter solstice marks the cosmic turning point: maximum darkness yields to returning light. Observe — don't act.

January 2027

Light returns. The sowing year begins undercover. Plan, order, prepare.

5°

High °C

0°

Low °C

150

Rain mm

Sun hrs

Frost days

7h20

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 January

Sow onion seeds in heated propagator at 15°C: Ailsa Craig, Bedfordshire Champion. Prick out when large enough to handle.
Continue winter pruning of fruit trees on dry, frost-free days
Order all seeds, plants, and materials for the coming season. Don't delay — popular varieties sell out.
Check and repair structures damaged by winter storms: fences, polytunnel, sheds
Start chitting seed potatoes if not done: set in egg boxes, rose end up, cool light place (10°C)
Harvest: kale, leeks, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, Jerusalem artichoke as needed
Top-dress overwintering crops (broad beans, garlic) with thin layer of compost

Week 2 — 8–14 January

Sow sweet peas in deep root trainers in cold polytunnel (for cut flowers and bee forage)
Check forcing rhubarb — pink stems may be ready by late January or February
Continue fruit tree pruning. Complete apple/pear pruning by end of February.
Spread ground limestone on acid vegetable beds if soil test shows pH below 5.5. Apply at 200–400g/m².
Check polytunnel: ventilate on mild days to prevent botrytis on overwintering crops
Plan succession sowing schedule for the year — plot on calendar
Review permaculture zone plan: adjust based on first season's observations

Week 3 — 15–21 January

Sow early lettuce and radish in polytunnel borders with fleece protection at night
Begin preparing seed beds under cloches — cover soil with black plastic to warm it
Winter wash fruit trees with plant-oil based winter wash to control overwintering eggs (aphid, scale)
Prune autumn-fruiting raspberries: cut all canes to ground level now
Check fruit trees for canker — cut out to clean wood, paint wound
Apply wood ash from woodburner around fruit trees — good potassium source
Snowdrops appearing — first phenological marker. Spring is coming.

Week 4 — 25–31 January

Sow broad beans in deep pots in polytunnel (The Sutton, Crimson Flowered) for March planting out
Sow hardy herbs in modules: parsley (slow to germinate), chervil
Check stored seed potatoes — remove any showing rot. Sprouts should be forming.
Apply thick mulch (10cm compost) around all fruit trees if not done in autumn
Plan hedgerow planting for February/March — last chance for bare-root
Turn compost heaps — add water if dry, straw if too wet
Burns Night (25th): celebrate with homegrown leeks and tatties from the store!

Sowing & Planting

Crop	Method	Temp	Notes
Onion (seed)	Sow heated propagator	15°C	Ailsa Craig, Bedfordshire Champion. Prick out at 2-leaf stage.
Lettuce (early)	Sow polytunnel	5–10°C	Winter Density, All Year Round. Fleece at night.
Broad Bean	Sow pots, polytunnel	5°C min	Deep root trainers or 9cm pots. Plant out March.
Sweet Pea	Sow root trainers	Cold	Nick seed coat or soak overnight. Pinch out at 4 leaves.
Radish	Sow polytunnel	5°C	French Breakfast. Quick crop between other sowings.
Parsley	Sow modules, warmth	15°C	Slow germination (3–4 weeks). Be patient.

Harvest

Kale Leeks Brussels Sprouts Parsnips Swede Jerusalem Artichoke Stored Roots Forced Rhubarb Winter Salad (PT)

Biodynamic Notes — January: Sow seeds on appropriate days: leaf crops (lettuce, spinach) on leaf/water days; root crops (radish) on root/earth days; fruit crops on fruit/fire days. Consult the Maria Thun calendar. Hazel catkins appearing by month end — the second phenological signal after snowdrops. The light is noticeably increasing.

February 2027

The sowing season accelerates. Finish pruning. Prepare for the rush of spring.

6°

High °C

0°

Low °C

110

Rain mm

Sun hrs

Frost days

9h10

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 February

Sow early brassicas undercover: cabbage (Hispi), cauliflower, Brussels sprouts (Groninger) in modules at 15°C
Sow leek seeds in trays or modules — Musselburgh, King Richard. Keep at 10–15°C. Slow grower — sow now.
Finish winter pruning of apple and pear trees this month
Chit seed potatoes in light, frost-free location. Sprouts should be 2–3cm by planting time.
Top-dress overwintering garlic and onion sets with nitrogen-rich feed (pelleted chicken manure)
Prepare beds with compost and well-rotted manure for spring planting
Prune winter-flowering shrubs after they finish flowering

Week 2 — 8–14 February

Sow early peas in guttering under cover (Kelvedon Wonder): slide whole gutter into prepared trench in March
Sow celeriac and celery in heated propagator — very slow to germinate, needs warmth (18°C)
Plant shallot sets 15cm apart in rows 30cm apart — push in until just showing
Begin clearing winter mulch from beds that will be sown early
Check overwintering broad beans for early aphids — inspect undersides of leaves
Clean and repair cold frames — re-glaze if needed
Apply BD500 if soil conditions allow during a mild spell. Descending moon, earth/root day preferred.

Week 3 — 15–21 February

Sow early spinach and chard in modules undercover (Perpetual Spinach, Bright Lights)
Direct sow broad beans outdoors if soil is workable and not waterlogged
Last chance: plant bare-root fruit trees and hedging before growth starts (by end of March absolute latest)
Divide snowdrops “in the green” after flowering — naturalise under trees
Check for emerging perennial weeds: dock, thistle, nettle. Hoe or hand-pull before they establish.
Primroses flowering in sheltered spots — spring is arriving

Week 4 — 22–28 February

Sow tomato seeds in heated propagator (18–21°C): Sungold, Gardener's Delight, Moneymaker for polytunnel
Sow more lettuce in polytunnel (Little Gem, Lollo Rossa)
Complete all winter pruning this week
Begin preparing potato trenches: dig 15cm deep, line base with compost
Mulch soft fruit bushes with compost and straw
Check and repair fruit cage netting before bud burst
Start warming soil under cloches or black polythene where earliest outdoor sowings will go

Sowing & Planting

Crop	Method	Temp	Notes
Cabbage	Sow modules	15°C	Hispi, Golden Acre. Plant out April.
Brussels Sprouts	Sow modules	15°C	Groninger, Trafalgar. Need long season — sow now.
Leek	Sow trays	10–15°C	Musselburgh. Transplant June–July.
Tomato	Sow heated propagator	18–21°C	For polytunnel only. Pot on at 2-leaf stage.
Pea	Sow guttering	Cold	Kelvedon Wonder. Slide out into trench March/April.
Celeriac	Sow heated propagator	18°C	Very slow — start now. Don't cover seed (needs light).
Shallots	Plant sets	Outdoor	15cm apart, 30cm rows. Push in until tip showing.
Spinach/Chard	Sow modules	10–15°C	Perpetual Spinach, Bright Lights chard.
Broad Bean	Sow direct (if soil ok)	Outdoor	Only if soil is workable and drained. Otherwise wait.

Harvest

Kale Leeks Brussels Sprouts Parsnips Swede Purple Sprouting Broccoli (late Feb) Forced Rhubarb Winter Salad (PT)

Biodynamic Notes — February: Sowing intensifies — follow the Thun calendar. Sow leaf crops on leaf days (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), root crops on root days (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), flower crops on flower days (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), fruit crops on fruit days (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius). February is a good month for BD500 application during a mild spell. Hazel catkins at full pollen — the bees are active on warm days.

March 2027

Spring arrives. The busiest sowing month begins. Everything accelerates.

8°

High °C

1°

Low °C

100

Rain mm

Sun hrs

Frost days

11h30

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 March

Sow peppers and aubergines in heated propagator (21°C) for polytunnel — need long season, start now
Sow more lettuce, rocket, spring onion, radish in polytunnel
Direct sow parsnips if soil is workable (unlikely at altitude — wait until soil warms if necessary)
Plant onion sets if soil is ready: Sturon, Stuttgart Giant. 10cm apart, 30cm rows.
Harden off overwintered broad bean plants for planting out later this month
Apply BD500 (horn manure) — spring application. Prime time: late March on descending moon, earth day. This is the most important BD application of the year.
Feed fruit trees with general organic fertiliser (blood, fish, and bone)
Start mowing if grass is actively growing — first cut high (5cm)

Week 2 — 8–14 March

Sow beetroot and chard in modules undercover (Boltardy, Detroit; Bright Lights)
Sow kale in modules for main crop (Dwarf Green Curled, Nero di Toscana)
Direct sow peas if soil temperature is above 5°C (use soil thermometer)
Plant asparagus crowns in well-drained raised bed (if establishing new bed)
Plant raspberry canes: Glen Ample, Autumn Bliss. 45cm apart, support wires at 60cm, 1m, 1.5m.
Divide established perennial herbs: chives, mint, oregano, lemon balm
Top-dress all beds with compost
Prepare runner bean/climbing bean supports: bamboo wigwams or hazel poles

Week 3 — 15–21 March

Sow calabrese and sprouting broccoli in modules (Purple Sprouting Early & Late, Claret)
Sow more lettuce and spinach (succession sowing — a new batch every 2–3 weeks)
Direct sow radish and spring onion if soil is warming under cloches
Plant strawberry runners: Honeoye, Cambridge Favourite. 30cm apart in rows 45cm apart.
Prune roses — cut to outward-facing bud, remove dead and crossing stems
Spring equinox (20 March): equal day and night. A good day for contemplating balance in the system.
Apply seaweed meal to all beds at 70g/m² — trace elements and soil biology
Begin slug control: beer traps, copper rings, nematode drench if soil above 5°C

Week 4 — 22–31 March

Sow more brassicas and leeks in modules if first sowing failed or more needed
Plant first early potatoes if soil is warm enough (soil thermometer reading 7°C+). Sharpe's Express, Duke of York.
Mulch all fruit trees and bushes with 10cm compost if not done
Sow green manure (phacelia, mustard) on any beds not needed until May
Check apple trees for canker — cut out and treat with wound paint
Install pea and bean supports ready for planting out
Grass growing actively now — first mowing of paths and lawns
Wild garlic leaves harvestable — pesto season!

Sowing & Planting

Crop	Method	Spacing	Notes
Pepper / Aubergine	Sow heated propagator	Pots	21°C. Polytunnel only. Pot on at 10cm.
Kale	Sow modules	45cm sq	Plant out May. Main winter crop.
Beetroot	Sow modules	10×30cm	Boltardy for early. Each seed = cluster, thin to 1.
Pea	Sow direct/guttering	5×60cm	Soil must be >5°C. Support with hazel pea sticks.
Potato (1st early)	Plant direct	30×60cm	If soil warm enough. Protect shoots from late frost.
Onion sets	Plant direct	10×30cm	Sturon, Stuttgart Giant. Firm soil after planting.
Raspberry	Plant bare-root	45cm	Cut to 25cm after planting. Support wires essential.
Strawberry	Plant runners	30×45cm	Crown at soil level, not buried.
Asparagus	Plant crowns	40×90cm	Don't harvest for first 2 years.
Parsnip	Sow direct	15×30cm	Fresh seed only! Slow germination. Mark row with radish.

Harvest

Purple Sprouting Broccoli Kale (last) Leeks Parsnips (last) Forced Rhubarb Wild Garlic Sorrel (early leaves) Lettuce (PT) Radish (PT)

The Hungry Gap: March–May is the traditional “hungry gap” when winter stores are exhausted and spring crops haven't arrived. Plan against this: purple sprouting broccoli, overwintered leeks, kale, forced rhubarb, stored roots, wild garlic, sorrel, Good King Henry, and polytunnel salads bridge this period.

Biodynamic Notes — March: The most important BD500 application of the year happens now. Apply late March on descending moon, preferably on an earth/root day, late afternoon. Stir for a full hour, alternating directions to create and collapse a vortex. Spray as a coarse mist on all soil surfaces. This activates spring soil biology. Birch sap can be tapped early March — drill small hole, collect rising sap for 2–3 weeks, plug hole.

April 2027

Potato planting, seedling nursery, frost watch. The garden comes alive.

11°

High °C

3°

Low °C

Rain mm

120

Sun hrs

Frost days

13h50

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 April

Plant first early potatoes: Sharpe's Express, Duke of York. 30cm apart, 60cm between rows, 12cm deep.
Sow French beans and runner beans in 9cm pots undercover (Cobra, Scarlet Emperor)
Sow courgette and squash in individual pots in heated propagator (18°C)
Sow more lettuce, radish, spring onion direct under cloches
Direct sow carrots under fleece (Nantes 2, Autumn King). Fleece stays on until harvest to deter carrot fly.
Begin hardening off brassica seedlings sown in February — cold frame by day, close at night
Feed and mulch all soft fruit with compost

Week 2 — 8–14 April

Plant second early potatoes: Maris Peer, Kestrel. Same spacing as first earlies.
Sow more peas — succession sowing every 3 weeks for continuous harvest
Sow turnip and swede in modules undercover
Transplant early brassicas (cabbage, cauliflower) to final positions. Net against pigeons immediately.
Direct sow beetroot if soil is above 7°C (Boltardy)
Earth up early potatoes — mound soil over emerging shoots for frost protection and to prevent greening
Watch for late frosts — fleece everything tender. Keep fleece to hand at all times this month.

Week 3 — 15–21 April

Plant maincrop potatoes: Sarpo Mira, Sarpo Axona. 40cm apart, 75cm between rows, 15cm deep.
Sow more beans and peas
Harden off all polytunnel seedlings for planting out next month
Direct sow chard and leaf beet
Transplant leeks to nursery bed (thin seedlings, drop into 15cm holes, water in)
Feed asparagus beds with general fertiliser
Begin cutting asparagus from established beds (year 3+). Cut for 6 weeks only.
Apply BD508 (horsetail tea) if wet weather threatens — prevents fungal diseases

Week 4 — 22–30 April

Plant out broad beans sown in pots earlier — 20cm apart in double rows
Direct sow more carrots, beetroot, turnip
Sow Florence fennel, dill, coriander in modules (bolt easily if direct sown too early)
Transplant onion seedlings to final positions
Earth up potatoes again — frost protection crucial until late April frost risk passes
Stake and tie all climbing plants as growth accelerates
Thin early sowings of carrots, beetroot, parsnip
Swallows arriving — phenological marker that frost risk is diminishing

Sowing & Planting

Crop	Method	Spacing	Notes
Potato (all types)	Plant tubers	30–40 × 60–75cm	Earth up regularly. Fleece against frost.
Carrot	Sow direct	Thin to 5cm	Under fleece permanently for carrot fly.
Beetroot	Sow direct/modules	10 × 30cm	Soil >7°C. Boltardy for early sowings.
Runner/French Bean	Sow pots undercover	Pots	Frost tender. Plant out late May.
Courgette/Squash	Sow pots, heated	Pots	18°C. Pot on into 1L pots. Plant out June.
Turnip	Sow direct	15 × 25cm	Quick crop. Purple Top Milan.
Lettuce/Salad	Sow direct/modules	25 × 25cm	Succession sow. Little Gem, Lollo.
Brassicas	Plant out from modules	45–60cm sq	Cabbage, cauliflower. Net immediately.

Harvest

Purple Sprouting Broccoli Spring Cabbage Rhubarb Asparagus (established) Wild Garlic Sorrel Overwintered Leeks (last) Lettuce (PT) Radish (PT) Rocket (PT)

Biodynamic Notes — April: Intensive sowing month — the Thun calendar is your daily guide. Hawthorn leaves emerging — “bread and cheese” (young leaves) are edible. Apple blossom late this month or early May. Dig up BD500 horns buried last November — the transformed manure is ready for use. Store in peat-lined box in cool dark place.

May 2027

Planting out, frost watch, the garden fills. Hawthorn blossom marks the turn.

14°

High °C

5°

Low °C

Rain mm

160

Sun hrs

Frost days

16h00

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 May

Plant out brassicas, lettuce seedlings to final positions
Sow French beans and runner beans direct outdoors if soil warm enough, or continue in pots
Sow more lettuce, radish, spring onion — succession every 2–3 weeks
Transplant courgettes and squash to polytunnel. Harden off first for 7–10 days.
Plant out tomatoes to polytunnel after last frost risk. Support with strings or canes.
Earth up potatoes — second or third earthing
Hoe weeds regularly — growth explodes in May. Little and often beats big clean-ups.

Week 2 — 8–14 May

Direct sow swede and turnip for winter storage
Sow more peas and beans — succession
Transplant celery and celeriac to final positions — rich, moist soil
Plant out peppers and aubergines to polytunnel — need warmth
Thin carrots, beetroot, parsnips to final spacings
Tie in climbing beans as they grow
Mulch all beds heavily with compost, straw, or grass clippings — suppress weeds, retain moisture
Check broad beans for blackfly — pinch out growing tips once bottom trusses are setting pods
Hawthorn blossom mid-May — “Ne'er cast a clout till May is out” (the hawthorn, not the month)

Week 3 — 15–21 May

Plant out remaining brassicas: kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli to final positions
Sow more lettuce, rocket, chard — succession
Direct sow runner beans and French beans outdoors after all frost risk passes (mid–late May)
Transplant leeks to final positions: drop into 15cm holes, water in, do not fill holes
Feed tomatoes weekly in polytunnel with comfrey tea (dilute 1:10)
Train and pinch out tomato side shoots weekly from now on
Harvest: asparagus (stop cutting by mid-June), rhubarb, spring onions, radish, lettuce

Week 4 — 22–31 May

Sow more beans, peas, salad crops
Final planting of all tender crops outdoors after all frost risk (typically past by late May at Mossdale)
Mulch everything that isn't mulched
Water polytunnel crops daily in warm weather
Start liquid feeding all fruiting crops with comfrey tea
Net strawberries against birds before fruit ripens
Apply BD501 (horn silica) early morning on clear days. Enhances light, warmth, flavour. Ascending moon, fruit day.
Cut comfrey for first time — chop and drop around fruit trees, or make liquid feed

Harvest

Asparagus Rhubarb Radish Spring Onion Lettuce Spinach Wild Garlic (last) Good King Henry Sorrel Salad (PT)

Biodynamic Notes — May: Begin BD501 applications from late May on clear early mornings. Spray as a fine mist upward onto leaf surfaces at dawn. This enhances light, ripening, and flavour in all crops. Apply on ascending moon, fruit or flower day. Apple trees in blossom — observe pollinator activity. Bury BD501 silica-filled horns now for digging up in autumn.

June 2027

Longest days. The garden at its most abundant. Tend, feed, begin to harvest.

16°

High °C

8°

Low °C

Rain mm

155

Sun hrs

Frost days

17h25

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 June

Sow more lettuce, radish, beetroot for succession
Sow spring cabbage seed for autumn planting out
Stop cutting asparagus — let ferns grow to feed next year's crowns
Regular watering in polytunnel — daily in warm spells. Morning is best.
Side-dress brassicas with nitrogen: comfrey tea, pelleted chicken manure
Check for caterpillars on brassicas — cabbage white butterflies active. Hand-pick or use Bt.
Apply BD501 early morning on clear days — enhances ripening and flavour

Week 2 — 8–14 June

Sow more beans and peas for late autumn crop
Sow kale for winter (Red Russian, Nero di Toscana) — transplant July
Plant out leeks to final positions — 15cm deep holes, water in
Train tomatoes and cucumbers in polytunnel — pinch side shoots, tie in leaders
Feed all fruiting plants weekly: comfrey tea for tomatoes, peppers, beans
Begin harvesting: broad beans, peas, new potatoes (first earlies), strawberries, gooseberries
Summer solstice (21 June): longest day, 17h 35m daylight at Mossdale. Cosmic forces at their peak.
Elder flowers ready for cordial — pick on a dry sunny day

Week 3 — 15–21 June

Sow turnip and swede for winter storage
Sow more salad crops
Harvest: gooseberries, strawberries, broad beans, peas, new potatoes
Earth up leeks — blanch stems by mounding soil
Thin and weed all crops — weeds compete strongly now
Cut comfrey (2nd cut) for liquid feed and mulch. Chop and drop around trees.
Check for blight if warm and humid — apply BD508 (horsetail) preventatively
Prune plum and cherry trees NOW (summer pruning only — reduces silver leaf disease risk)

Week 4 — 22–30 June

Sow autumn/winter lettuce, endive, corn salad for polytunnel
Harvest: soft fruit in full swing — currants, gooseberries, first raspberries
Harvest: new potatoes, broad beans, peas, salad, chard
Summer prune trained fruit trees (cordons, espaliers): shorten new growth to 3 leaves above basal cluster
Feed and water everything — growth at maximum rate
Continue succession sowing salad crops
Make elderflower cordial — peak flowering time
Prepare areas for autumn plantings — clear spent early crops

Harvest

New Potatoes Broad Beans Peas Strawberries Gooseberries Raspberries (early) Lettuce Radish Spinach Chard Spring Onion Rhubarb Elderflowers Tomatoes (early, PT) Cucumber (PT)

Biodynamic Notes — June: BD501 applications on clear mornings throughout the month — fruit and flower days. Summer solstice is the peak of cosmic light forces. Press valerian flowers for BD507 preparation. Begin collecting yarrow, chamomile, dandelion, and nettle for BD502–506 preparations to make in autumn. Cut horsetail for BD508 spray — dry some for winter storage.

July 2027

Peak harvest. Preserve, store, enjoy. Sow for winter while harvesting summer.

18°

High °C

10°

Low °C

Rain mm

140

Sun hrs

Frost days

16h40

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 July

Sow spring cabbage and kale for winter (last sowing)
Sow more lettuce, radish, beetroot for autumn
Harvest: raspberries, tayberries, loganberries — pick every 2 days
Harvest: blackcurrants, redcurrants, whitecurrants — pick whole trusses
Harvest: broad beans (last), peas, beans, courgettes beginning
Continue polytunnel watering and feeding — tomatoes need 2–3 litres daily
Make jam, freeze, and preserve soft fruit — doesn't keep fresh long

Week 2 — 8–14 July

Sow turnips and beetroot for autumn harvest
Sow pak choi and Chinese cabbage in modules for autumn
Plant out winter brassicas to final positions: kale, Brussels sprouts, winter cabbage. Firm soil well.
Harvest: main raspberries (peak), currants (peak)
Harvest: first courgettes, French beans, tomatoes (polytunnel)
Summer prune gooseberries and redcurrants: shorten side shoots to 5 leaves
Cut and dry herbs for winter: thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary. Hang in bunches.
Make compost with BD502–507 preparations. This is your main compost-building month.

Week 3 — 15–21 July

Sow overwintering spring cabbage for autumn planting
Harvest everything available! Peak harvest season. Pick courgettes when 15–20cm.
Lift second early potatoes (Maris Peer, Kestrel)
Begin harvesting, drying, and storing onions and shallots: lift, dry on rack for 2 weeks, store in nets
Summer prune restricted-form fruit trees (cordons, espaliers, fans)
Cut comfrey (3rd or 4th cut) — mulch and liquid feed
Apply mulch to all bare soil

Week 4 — 22–31 July

Final sowing of peas and beans for autumn harvest
Harvest and cure garlic: lift when lower leaves yellow, dry 2 weeks, plait or store in nets
Harvest: blueberries, blackberries beginning
Make fruit wines, chutneys, pickles, jams — preservation season
Order green manure seed for autumn sowing (field beans, grazing rye)
Check for tomato and potato blight — brown spots on leaves. Remove affected foliage. BD508 spray.
Lift and store garlic — plait or hang in airy shed

Harvest

Raspberries Blackcurrants Redcurrants Gooseberries Tayberries Blueberries Strawberries (last) Peas Broad Beans (last) French Beans New Potatoes Onions Garlic Courgettes Beetroot Carrots (early) Lettuce Chard Turnip Herbs Tomatoes (PT) Cucumber (PT) Peppers (PT)

Biodynamic Notes — July: Continue BD501 morning applications on clear days. Make compost piles with BD preparations 502–507 inserted at specific points: yarrow in NE corner, chamomile in SE, nettle centre, oak bark NW, dandelion SW, valerian sprayed over surface. Cover with straw. This is biodynamic gold — the heart of the compost programme.

August 2027

Abundance and preparation. Harvest for storage. Begin thinking autumn.

17°

High °C

10°

Low °C

100

Rain mm

130

Sun hrs

Frost days

14h40

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 August

Sow spring cabbage and winter lettuce in polytunnel
Sow overwintering spring onion seeds
Plant autumn-sown onion sets: Radar, Shakespeare. 10cm apart, 30cm rows.
Harvest: tomatoes, courgettes, beans, potatoes, beetroot — daily picking
Harvest: blueberries, blackberries, autumn raspberries beginning
Cut and clear spent pea and bean plants — leave roots in soil (nitrogen nodules)
Sow green manure on all cleared ground immediately: field beans, grazing rye

Week 2 — 8–14 August

Sow winter salad in polytunnel: lamb's lettuce, winter lettuce, land cress, mizuna
Plant new strawberry runners: Mara des Bois, Honeoye. 30cm apart, 45cm rows.
Lift maincrop potatoes: Sarpo Mira, Sarpo Axona. Cure 2 weeks in dark, dry place, then store in hessian sacks.
Dry herbs for winter storage — hang in bunches in airy shed
Begin lifting and storing root crops (carrots, beetroot) in boxes of damp sand
Prune summer-fruiting raspberries: cut all fruited (brown) canes to ground. Tie in new (green) canes.

Week 3 — 15–21 August

Sow winter-hardy lettuce, corn salad, land cress in cold frame and polytunnel
Plant spring-flowering bulbs: crocuses, daffodils (not tulips — those wait until November)
Harvest: late courgettes, beans, beetroot, carrots, chard
Lift and cure onions if not already done — store in cool dry shed
Clean up spent crops — compost all healthy material, burn anything diseased
Begin preparing beds for autumn/winter: compost, mulch, lime if needed

Week 4 — 22–31 August

Sow more overwintering salads
Plant overwintering onion sets if not done in Week 1
Harvest: early apples begin! Discovery, James Grieve. Pick when they part easily from the tree.
Harvest: plums, damsons — Victoria plums, Merryweather damsons
Make preserves: damson jam, plum chutney, apple sauce — preservation in full swing
Begin autumn cleanup of spent beds
Order bare-root fruit trees for November planting — order now, plant November
BD500 autumn application window opens in late August/September. Prepare equipment.

Harvest

Potatoes (maincrop) Apples (early) Plums Damsons Blackberries Blueberries Autumn Raspberries Runner Beans French Beans Courgettes Beetroot Carrots Onions Chard Kale Leeks (early) Tomatoes (PT) Peppers (PT) Aubergine (PT) Cucumber (PT)

Biodynamic Notes — August: Last BD501 applications on clear mornings. The light forces are waning. Begin preparing for autumn BD500 application — clean stirring vessel, check horn manure stocks. Collect seed from open-pollinated varieties at full moon for strongest seed vitality. Observe: the swallows are gathering. The year turns.

September 2027

The great harvest. Store, preserve, plant garlic. The cycle turns toward rest.

15°

High °C

8°

Low °C

120

Rain mm

100

Sun hrs

Frost days

12h30

Day length

Weekly Tasks

Week 1 — 1–7 September

Sow overwintering broad beans (Aquadulce Claudia) — completes the cycle from last October
Sow winter lettuce and spinach in polytunnel
Plant spring-flowering bulbs
Harvest: apples — Discovery, James Grieve. Store wrapped individually in newspaper in cool dark place.
Harvest: plums, damsons, pears (pick pears slightly under-ripe, ripen indoors)
Harvest: autumn raspberries, blackberries
Make apple storage: wrap each in newspaper, store in single layers in boxes, 2–4°C, dark
Apply BD500 — autumn application window. Descending moon, earth/root day, late afternoon.

Week 2 — 8–14 September

Sow green manures on all cleared beds: field beans + grazing rye at 100g/m²
Sow overwintering spinach (Giant Winter) and winter lettuce direct in cold frames
Harvest root crops for storage: carrots, beetroot, parsnips (or leave in ground)
Harvest: late tomatoes in polytunnel — ripen green ones on windowsill or in drawer with banana
Begin closing down polytunnel summer crops — remove spent tomato plants, clear debris
Plant garlic cloves for next year — or wait until October
Collect seeds from open-pollinated varieties — dry and store in labelled envelopes

Week 3 — 15–21 September

Harvest: main crop apples — Fiesta, Bramley, Howgate Wonder, Charles Ross
Harvest: pears (Conference, Williams)
Autumn equinox (22 September): equal day and night. Balance point. Apply BD500 if not done in Week 1.
Clear all spent summer crops. Compost healthy material.
Sow green manures on every cleared bed
Begin dividing perennial herbs: chives, lemon balm, oregano
Take hardwood cuttings from currant bushes and gooseberry: 25cm stem, push into sandy trench

Week 4 — 22–30 September

Harvest: remaining outdoor crops before October frosts
Plant garlic for next year: Solent Wight, Cristo. 15cm apart, 5cm deep, pointed end up.
Clear and mulch beds for winter — cardboard covered with compost
Collect fallen leaves for leaf mould — the cycle begins again
Clean polytunnel: remove old plants, wash glazing, prepare for winter salads
Review the year: what succeeded, what failed, what to change. Update the workbook.
Begin planning for Year 2 — the foundation is laid. The system matures from here.
The cycle completes. Turn back to October and begin again.

Harvest

Apples (main crop) Pears Plums (late) Damsons Blackberries Autumn Raspberries Elderberries Rosehips Sloes Runner Beans (last) Courgettes (last) Beetroot Carrots Leeks Kale Cabbage Swede Turnip Chard Tomatoes (last, PT) Peppers (PT)

Biodynamic Notes — September: Second and final BD500 autumn application. The autumn equinox marks the turning point where earth forces strengthen and cosmic light forces retreat. Dig up BD501 horns buried in spring. Make BD500 horns for next year (fill with fresh dung, bury before October). The Michaelmas (29 September) tradition marks the end of the agricultural year. The swallows leave. The land prepares for rest.

Year One Complete: You have laid the foundation. Trees planted this year will take 3–5 years to fruit. Guilds will mature over 2–3 seasons. Soil improves with each year of compost, mulch, and green manure. A permaculture system does not produce a finished result in Year 1 — it grows toward a designed maturity over 5–10 years. Be patient. Observe. Adjust. The Glenkens landscape took millennia to form. Your relationship with this land is just beginning.