Plot layout - comments & suggestions

[Nelson]

I've been working on a layout for Plot 236 for when I get the time and energy to really go at it.  As it is at the moment we have 4 main beds (2 still to be dug), a huge decrepid old greenhouse frame that will be removed, the floor of the old shed, and there's a massive pile of rubble, dirt and overgrown shrubbery behind the greenhouse.  The pic here may give some more of an idea.

(click for a bigger size)

What I'd like to do is this

Four raised maincrop beds and four smaller raised beds, with two as nursery beds and one or two for permanent crops such as asparagus.  Install a smaller greenhouse and some cold frames and have a border up the edge for flowers etc.  Some nice woodchip paths, a new shed and a paved area  in front of the shed.  Finally, dig out the pile of trash and have a couple of fruit trees and resite the compost bins.

I thought I'd canvass some other opinions as this is about my fourth layout and I'm pretty happy with it, but you can get a bit blinkered after staring at the same thing for a week or so.  Have I made any major errors in my planning or can you see something that could be done better?

[Nelson]

[cambourne7]

looks cool bananas

although i would be cutting those beds in half to avoid walking on them.

I would advice no wider than 4ft as you can see in my plan.

http://www.paulandlouise.com/louise/Intercropping_planting_plan.htm

[timelady]

Louise, just to let you know your link doesn't work. Says I need latest Win (which I have - XP with SP2) and Office 2003 stuff installed? (am using Office XP, newer than 2003) :(

Tina.

[Chantenay]

I can't see any obvious problems, although I did wonder what methods you expect to use. If you are going to try to be more organic, I think you will find it easier to use smaller beds - 4 foot wide max (ie the width you can reach into the middle to dig/plant/weed without standing on the bed and about 10/12 feet long. That's also a good size for various types of protection (hoops covered in fleece or enviromesh etc). You could split each bed in half lengthways. Also watch out for the direction of the sun, will those overgrown bits at the bottom cause shade or other problems with the greenhouse. And water - if you need water butts, plan them in now - a watering can weighs a ton on a hot day. And finally - nothing is writ on tablets of stone - if you change your mind, it's only a bit of digging!!!!

[Tee Gee]

I agree with the others basically apart from the width of the beds I would go for 5ft it suits brassica plantings better.

[cambourne7]

Louise, just to let you know your link doesn't work. Says I need latest Win (which I have - XP with SP2) and Office 2003 stuff installed? (am using Office XP, newer than 2003) :(

Tina.

Hi

PM me with your email address and i will send you a copy.

Louise

[Barnowl]

I agree with the others basically apart from the width of the beds I would go for 5ft it suits brassica plantings better.

I think I'm with TG. We have 4ft wide beds and the larger brassica (PSB & Sprouts) don't seem to fit too well. Otherwise we find 4ft ideal. I didn't notice a scale but perhaps you could  subdivide the large beds into (say) 4 x 4ft wide and 4 x 5ft wide.

[Nelson]

I had wondered about the size of those bigger beds but I was quite keen to have four distinct beds for my crop rotation.  I'm still unsure whether I want to raise the beds or merely have the paths edged with wood.  I already use boards to walk on the earth and this doesn't seep to cause many problems.

The right-hand side is the south side so splitting them lengthways is a bit of a no-no as that would greatly restrict the length of rows I could plant north/south.

Whatever happens I won't be building any raised beds this year, just laying some rough woodchip paths, so as some said, it ain't written in stone.

JW

[busy_lizzie]

We have got a few flexible beds with temporary wooden walkways across.  This comes in handy when you rotate your crops and need a bigger area, say for potatoes or brassicas or your squash/sweetcorn  beds etc. Then it is a simple matter of removing the walkways. You look very well organised - on paper Nelson.  :D busy_lizzie

[Nelson]

Oh I am very well organised... on paper ;D;D

I just found out in our allotment newsletter that the assocoiation runs a Best Kept Plot competition each year.  I'm gunning for that! ;D