Hello (again....!!)

[fozzylozzy]

Hi all.

I used to be fosteri - now fozzylozzy - long story had huge problems with remembering my password and then couldn't change it.. ::)

I'm in Weymouth, Dorset and have a small plot. I've had the plot for a year now which I used to share with nattyem (some of you long-timers may remember her!!) she's moved to Ipswich now, leaving me on my ownsome to manage the plot!!

Problem is although I've had the plot for a while, I feel a bit of a newbie still. Plot was overgrown and although we had some good crops from there last year, there is still a lot to do up there.

Emma and I used to muddle through  she was the predominent poster on here for advice and always commented how nice and friendly you guys are!

So my first question is are rows or blocks easier? Last year we did beds (as best we could) but I just wanted to know if rows are easier to manage.

Many thanks.

Lou xx

[fozzylozzy]

[John_H]

Well I do pritty much no-dig beds. but now you have all that room to yourself you could do half one way an half the other.
All the best Fozzy

[grawrc]

I prefer planting in blocks. I find it easier to target fertiliser, watering , weeding correctly.

[kenkew]

I'm a row man, but there are advantages to block planting. One thing is the fact you can create temporary paths at a distance so that you can reach the centre of each block. Rows saves space, but it sounds as if you have plenty!

[fozzylozzy]

I'm a row man, but there are advantages to block planting. One thing is the fact you can create temporary paths at a distance so that you can reach the centre of each block. Rows saves space, but it sounds as if you have plenty!

Well actually it's only a small plot - so if rows save space, then that's the way to go!! Will definately give it a go!!

Thanks.

Lou x

[MikeB]

Sorry I disagree with that, it's blocks that save space, unless you are talking about wide rows at 3-4'

[MrsKP]

and there lies the fun  ::)

what suits one doesn't necessarily suit the other.  there ain't no rule book (unfortunately for us complete novices).

bung it in and see how it grows - that's my new motto  ;D

[busy_lizzie]

We have a combination of both.  I just find that our plot is easier to manage when it is sectioned off.We have some mobile paths we can move depending on what we are planting.  We have four raised beds at the bottom and various paths in between beds. You do get more space with rows, but I  find I can keep abreast of things when they are split up a bit.   Here is a pic from late spring last year to show you what I mean, though we have moved things a bit now and we have a new pond. busy_lizzie

[fozzylozzy]

We have a combination of both.  I just find that our plot is easier to manage when it is sectioned off.We have some mobile paths we can move depending on what we are planting.  We have four raised beds at the bottom and various paths in between beds. You do get more space with rows, but I  find I can keep abreast of things when they are split up a bit.   Here is a pic from late spring last year to show you what I mean, though we have moved things a bit now and we have a new pond. busy_lizzie

Wow, your  plot looks fantastic!! I think I'm just try rows this year and see what happens. Trial and error I guess!!

Thanks for the ideas!

Louisa xx

[Roy Bham UK]

:P Pardon my higgerance but what is the difference between rows ===== and blocks =====? ::: ... :::?  ???

[grawrc]

Roy first of all your balck and tan cavalier king charles is just pure dead gorgeous. Then .. diference between rows and blocks is obvious blockhead!!!

Rows is a a big long thin thing. Block is square or rectangular and everything is clumped. :-*

[Roy Bham UK]

;D First of all... glad you like him, his name is Harvey and spoiled rotten ;D it looks like you have your hands full of furry cuddlies too is there a close up shot anywhere on site?

So a block is two rows..if I put a block of 4 in front of a block of 4 I have 2 rows of 8  ::) ???

[fozzylozzy]

;D First of all... glad you like him, his name is Harvey and spoiled rotten ;D it looks like you have your hands full of furry cuddlies too is there a close up shot anywhere on site?

So a block is two rows..if I put a block of 4 in front of a block of 4 I have 2 rows of 8  ::) ???

LOL!!! ;D

I think what I'm getting at is having rows straight across the width of the lottie instead of have blocks of beds/raised beds seperated by a series of paths cutting the plot into sections.

I think this year I'll do rows, and spent the year collecting materials for more permenant raised beds.

Sorry if my dilema was too confusing ;)

Louisa xx

[Robert_Brenchley]

Rows run right across the plot, with the plants fairly close together, and space between them. It's a traditional method, apparently brought in in the 18th Century to enable the use of the horse hoe. I've never seen one in use on an allotment, though I have seen the odd pic of a hand-drawn version. In bed planting, you have an oblong 3-4 feet across, with the plants spaced equidistantly within it. You get smaller individual veg., but a heavier crop overall.

[Mrs Ava]

I have rows...blocks...circles...patches.....areas....spots.....you name it...where ever I can squeeze in another few plants, in they go, and I do okay at it.  It really is a case of each to their own.  I would love to have long lovely straight regimented weed free rows, but then I don't have the time, plus I do a row of something, and a few don't germinate, or I pull them and eat them, and then something goes into the gap.....it is why...sshh..don't tell anyone...my rotation leaves a lot to be desired!

[fozzylozzy]

I have rows...blocks...circles...patches.....areas....spots.....you name it...where ever I can squeeze in another few plants, in they go, and I do okay at it.  It really is a case of each to their own.  I would love to have long lovely straight regimented weed free rows, but then I don't have the time, plus I do a row of something, and a few don't germinate, or I pull them and eat them, and then something goes into the gap.....it is why...sshh..don't tell anyone...my rotation leaves a lot to be desired!

;D ;D ;D

Thanks Emma - I think this year is going to be planting wherever I can - initially rows, buy hey, it could all go Pete Tong!!! :-\

A lot of people at the site where I am 'do' rows, but I do like the idea of something a bit more permanent i.e wooden raised beds.

It's going to be a case of going with the flow I think!!

Thanks.

Lou xx

[John_H]

the A4A wiki now has am increasing amount of info about  raised beds, which you can view (and contribute to) by clicking on the 'methods of cultivation' pages @


http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/joomla/component/option,com_mambowiki/Itemid,37/

[fozzylozzy]

the A4A wiki is now has increasing  info about  raised beds, which you can view (and contribute to) by clicking on the 'methods of cultivation' pages @


http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/joomla/component/option,com_mambowiki/Itemid,37/

:)
Thanks John, I'll take a look.

Lou x

[grawrc]

Roy I have millions of hard copy photos (Sophie is 9 and Suzy 4). Other babies have moved house.

I've put my camera on charge and I'll try uploading some photos later.

Realised at our lottie yesterday that many of the beds have sunk over winter, so I'm going to add copious quantities of leak mould to the brassica ones and manure to the rest.

I had rows last year but now I've split the plot into beds about 1metre x 4 metres I am block planting. It helps me with things like watering requirements + fertiliser, weeding and ensuring there's enough light avalable.

+ it looks pretty. :-[ :-[ :P

[supersprout]

Snap grawc, all my beds are now 1m x 4m, seems ideal for crop protection, mulching, neatness and above all Morale (casually: "oh, I planted a whole bed/20 rows of xxx today" )  ;)
They are never boring once stuff is growing in them. After years of trial and error I'm very happy with this as a standard bed size.