[sunflower from the west]

Greetings to all.

We have moved from Dublin to the West last September. We have gone from a 30foot garden to 7 acres. Any tips or ideas for the acres would be greatful.

Thanks

[Sean Ph'lib]

Welcome to the forum. I'd plant the seven acres with trees if I were you. I've planted most of my place. Trees and timber are the crops of the future. Also, keep back an acre for apple trees (you'll be able to make your own cider) and a half-acre or so for vegetables.

[walltoall]

Sunflower, I totally agree with Seán Ph'Lib. Allow some distance from the house to the south and the west to let sunshine in and keep wind out from what will be your cottage garden. Start the tree-planting furthest from the house. Work back towards the house over the next five years Start with bullet-proof windbreak shrubs to the southwest and work up to coniferous (if you must) then decids. and eventually fruit trees. (Fruit crops best in plenty sun and rain and no wind.)

[sunflower from the west]

Thanks to all. Yep, I thinks trees are the way to go. We have 3 acres beside our cottage and a further 4 acres that is beside a river. I am growing veg & fruit at the moment. I am growing reeds to use as fuel for the stove. I did have 3 tomatoe plants in glasshouse but now I am down to two thanks to the slugs .