April 19, 2025

This week I attempted round two of the tarp rain catcher, this time with a friend. I bought some taller stakes so the tarp can be held higher up. We dug it into the ground about 30cm, and piled rocks around it to secure it. I used tent pegs with string to put opposing tension on the stakes. It was a windy day when we were setting up, so a good initial test to make sure it was sturdy enough. It took quite a while but evenutally we got it to looking relatively stable. We had to put some logs and rocks on top of the tarp to keep it from flapping too much in the wind. Then we poked a hole right in the middle and placed the water butt under it. 

A few days later… I went back to have a look at it. It had rained the past two days so it must have collected some water... A few issues. First, the tap at the bottom butt was open, so any water that did come in, just poured out. That was my bad… But also how else do you test whether a tap is open or closed; I needed water to test it. The second issue; some tent pegs had come loose in the wind and the logs and rocks on top of the tarp had flown off. If this is just after two days, this solution is not going to work either. I took down the whole thing again and for now I put the three butts together with the lids open.

I need to find another method that’s more stable… The bigger the surface area in the air, the less stable, so I think I’m going to have to go for a smaller surface area. My current thoughts are an upside down umberlla shape, maybe woven with willow. Next week I’ll attempt round three.

We also managed to plant my potatoes, which was very useful and I managed to plant a few more onions. It may be too late, but better than not planting them. I bought some weeding tools that will help me in the garlic beds as now there are lots of weeds growing. I’ve got long handled tools, that I can use while standing, which will save me a lot of time and effort. I haven’t used them yet, but excited to try next week.

A lot of my attention was on woodworking this week as well. On Monday I went to buy some timber and got to work on the Kentucky Stick Chairs, which have been on my list for a while. It was so simple to do and so satisfying. I think the design is so clever, and I just used some thick rope to assemble it. I love it! I installed the first one already on the field and the second I finished at the end of the week. I think I’ll make a third one to stay at home in the garden as its so nice to lounge in the sun. Excellent project - 10/10.

Finally, the knitted blouse is coming along, I’m onto the sleeves now, having finish the main body (except the collar). The sleeves are just one strand of mohair, so very light went, bit annoying to knit with, but its simple stockinette.

 

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