Clearing a new plot - what happens after spuds?

[supersprout]

Plot No.2 was taken over in December, and I grew spuds on three beds to 'clear the ground', covered in black plastic. The last of the PFA were harvested this morning, and the bed prepared for planting garlic next month. I took some pics for my own pleasure, here if you'd like to see a no-dig method. The whole thing took about an hour to do 8)

After a thorough furtle, pull back the black plastic to the bed edges



Add any handy soil improver - compost, leaf mould, spent hops, spent compost, old growbag - and a sprinkle of slow release fertiliser (thank you Rosebud)



Rake level.
Remove surplus black plastic.
Some straw may have drifted onto the paths so it will be half-rotted. Tidy paths, remove surplus straw and sprinkle over the bed.
Start covering with straw to suppress weeds and keep the warmth in the soil.



When the bed is covered with straw, it's ready for the next crop :D

[supersprout]

[caroline7758]

Very organised! Just wondering, how do you stop the straw blowing away?

[Mrs Ava]

I'll tell you what happens after spuds.....VOLUNTEERS!  Thought I had cleared all of mine, oh no!  Mind you, I have had a couple of handfalls of tiny little new pots which have been devine!

[caroline7758]

Yes, found a few coming up between my onions today. >:(

[supersprout]

lol caroline, it was ages before I dared spread straw on my plot - we're in the fens with Siberian winds! the answer is that it doesn't all blow to one end of the plot (or all over everyone else's).  It tangles when you fluff it when applying loose, and if you apply it in slabs (e.g. on paths or between perennial veg) it has weight. After a shower, it's heavy enough just to sit there, honest! ::)

Having said that, a little chaff always blows onto the path - every time the crop changes, I check the depth of straw on the path and if there's a mound, pop it on the bed :)

EJ you're so right - but sometimes they come up in the right place eh? ;)