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General => The Shed => Topic started by: Si D on December 18, 2007, 12:02:33

Title: Lesson of the week...
Post by: Si D on December 18, 2007, 12:02:33
Don't neglect your plot for a month and then try to dig the whole thing over in a morning.

I only got about a 1/4 of it done and I can't walk properly today  :-[ :P

Maybe there is something to be said for the no dig method (and getting someone in for the initial big dig)  :o
Title: Re: Lesson of the week...
Post by: saddad on December 18, 2007, 12:34:05
 ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D
::)
Title: Re: Lesson of the week...
Post by: tonybloke on December 18, 2007, 12:48:42
I've got most of my beds running on a no-dig system, sure saves time and effort!
try an area of your plot and see how you get on? all I do is...Cut down weeds, Cover with wet corrugated cardboard, 2 inch layer of manure, 6 inch layer of straw. if you then water the whole thing with a rose on your can, the straw will bind together and resist blowing away. I also lay an old piece of trellis on mine, or anything to discourage movement. tgds, Tony norfolk.
Title: Re: Lesson of the week...
Post by: manicscousers on December 21, 2007, 15:28:30
sounds similar to how we do it, tonybloke..we cover the card in manure then weed suppressant, works for us..oh, by the way, welcome to the site  ;D
Title: Re: Lesson of the week...
Post by: Si D on December 21, 2007, 20:01:23
after you've put down the card and manure how long do you need to wait before planting anything?

oh well, looks like I didn't learn my lesson as I'm hoping to get the rest dug on Sunday....so some reason SWMBO won't let me spend Christmas day digging it  ::)
Title: Re: Lesson of the week...
Post by: manicscousers on December 21, 2007, 21:39:46
we plant shallow rooted plants in spring, by autumn, it's rotted away..we also cover newly manured beds with card over winter, come spring, we put what's left of the card on the compost heap, you should see the worms under it and the soil's in fabulous condition  ;D
Title: Re: Lesson of the week...
Post by: Suzanne on December 21, 2007, 22:43:44
I think I may be warped - I like digging  ;D
Title: Re: Lesson of the week...
Post by: Eristic on December 22, 2007, 01:14:03
QuoteI think I may be warped - I like digging

Nah! You're just taking the easy way out and getting the job done. It's the modern way taking a year or so to get the plot ready before making a proper start.
Title: Re: Lesson of the week...
Post by: manicscousers on December 22, 2007, 08:19:51
I like digging, just can't do it  ;D