Kitchen Garden Forum

I found some deposits in my shed, bit on the large side for a mouse. For the life of me I am unable to see how they are getting in. Placed some rodent killer in a tray under the shed. Not only have they eaten the bait, but have taken the ruddy tray as well.

They're not stupid. They've probably lugged it away and it's now serving, turned upside down, as a nice waterproof umbrella over their new winter quarters.

I just ordered a tub of Tom Cat Blocks from an online trader, £23 for a 1.8 kilo tub delivered. I know I should be supporting our local sources though why am I expected to pay an extra £5 and drive a 20 round trip to support them ? Last time I bough glyphosate the farmer Co-operative asked me for my holding number and charged me £7 more than an online source.

Should I be ashamed ?

I think your post illustrates the dilemma a lot of us have Richard. We would all prefer to "support local" but when there are huge discrepancies in price between local and online and funds are not finite, one usually goes for the cheaper option. I suspect shopping in a few years time will be very different because of this and a lot of local businesses will simply not be able to generate the footfall, for this reason, to be able to stay in business. And sadly, all our communities will be the worse off as a result.

We have a village which has progressively had several shops go out of business because of the recession and which have spent two or three years just boarded up. They are now started to open up again but often running different types of businesses, many of whose activities are conducted online or not selling the day to day necessities that most people need.

Thank you Primrose.

I'm often vilified for being wealthy, I have a cute home and the mortgage is paid because we worked and she still works. I live on a government pension and I manage by managing and I'm happy to eat beans on toast for breakfast. We used to darn socks and repair clothes, as my daughters grew up it became a battle but we survived.

Whatever is perceived as my wealth is something I worked for and enjoy in my autumn years, we even give to charities. Paying an extra £7 for an item I can buy locally is just another charity.

Afternoon Shallot Man, if we don't see you on here for a while, we will know you have fearsome beast in your shed....and we will send a search party....

OH. My problem is my shed is only 4'x4' , made out of marine ply, for the life of me I cannot find out where the buggers come in. One helpful sole has suggested they have their own key. If all else fails, I will change the padlock.