Have finally started to get to grips with the jungle ;D Got new lottie about 3 weeks or so ago. Have strimmed all the weeds down and covered 2/3 of the plot with black plastic which we are growing squash, courgettes and cucumbers through.
We are now wanting to start building our raised beds and have left enough ground for 3 beds at 10ft x 4ft each. Not sure what to do about digging the beds and the soil quality. Our plot has not been cultivated for at least 27 years (according to the other lottie holders) and the soil is light clay. At the moment, due to no rain (and it b*!!"y well looks like this current batch of rain is going to miss us :( ) - the soil is really hard and difficult to dig. Do you think it would be OK to fork over the top layer, and incorporate some composted green manure that we have managed to get hold of? And then dig deeper and more thoroughly in the autumn.
If we do this, would the plants be OK? We are planting beans (runners and french), peas, salads, beetroot, carrots, chard, sprouts - most except for roots and salads are growing in pots at home. Any advice - I know its the wrong time of year really to be working our soil but we are desperate to have some produce this year as encouragement against the battle of the mares tail!
try incorperating some sharp sand into the clay soil which will aid drainage. i had same problem when i started.
Why not water it with hose pipe just to soften it?.
Rosemary
What have you got to lose, you might learn something useful if you try it
Quote from: Piglottie on June 24, 2005, 10:40:32
.... I know its the wrong time of year really to be working our soil ...
Piglottie,
At least you know you've got a lot of work on!
The idea of green manure is good, you don't say what type, but buckwheat would be ideal as it is quick growing, deep rooted (to help break up the subsoil/clay) and qucikly produces lots of top growth to generate humus in the Autumn.
It, and all your other plants, will need need lots of water to establish and grow at this time of year
Kings have buckwheat at £1.65 for enough for 30 sq metres www.kingsseeds.com (http://www.kingsseeds.com)
Best of luck
Phil
Thanks all.
Have actually been lucky and the rain has fallen on the lotties of Newland Ave, Hull ;D Although after so many dry weeks and baking hot weather the ground is still hard.
Phil - already have some composted green manure which I am working into the soil. But interested in the idea of growing some green manure on the plot - would it be too late to put it in after beans/peas are finished? (That's assuming they will actually grow in the first place!).
The only green manures that will give a gick return (ie be ready to dig in the Autumn if you leave them until August would be mustard, fenugreek and phacelia
Phil