Spade issues - a question of design over simplicity

Today's plan was to get going with bed number two, and possibly even number three. The soil was heavy and wet due to a week of on and off rain but we were up for the challenge.

Soil sticking to the blade of the recently purchased 2011 of the Yeoman 'Digging Spade' (purchased for the inaugural cutting of the sod last week) made it practically useless but the 2009 version steamed through by comparison. What looked to be a useful design addition, a small 'step' to help push the spade through the soil, only helped to clog it up by preventing the soil 'escaping' over the top. It was that useless that Emily went onto weeding duties whilst Rob finished the digging.

Bed two is now ready to go, with bed one expertly weeded too. Progress is a little slower than hoped for but we'll definitely be ready for the sowing season. We have a source of wood to build the water catcher (a necessity as the nearest tap is over 200metres away in the church yard) and the compulsory compost heap.

We're on the look out for barrels for the water catcher. If anybody has any we're happy to come and collect them. Lugging a watering can 200metres would keep us fit but...