Raised Beds
Choose the bed system that suits your needs whether that be flat earth, raised earth or raised edged beds - edged with stone / blocks / boards.
Ensure you can reach to the centre of the width of the bed easily, this normally means a bed of 1.0-1.5 metres in width maximum is advisable.
Don't make the bed too long, otherwise you will always be walking round - or worse tempted across the bed. A length of 3-4m is a good compromise.
If edging the raised bed choose an easily available cost effective material that suits the location. You want the beds to look good too - right?
Choose an appropriate material for the garden paths between your beds that gives the right balance of cost effective, weed prevention and longevity.
Take the time to plan the layout, size and location of your beds well - to allow maximum sunlight on neighbouring plants orientate length on a north - south axis.
Build the beds gradually - it takes time and effort to do a proper job and you don't want a broken back or to be overly exhausted by your labours.
Ensure the
soil is loosened at depth with a fork - there must be no compaction in the
soil. This will only normally be needed at the start.
Incorporate lots of rich
organic matter into the
soil both when you first make the beds and regularly there after. Good
soil = great produce.
Don't ever walk on your beds once they have been created - that way the
soil should stay in good condition and grow great crops year after year. You should rarely need to dig the
soil in the beds again.
Salad and Herbs
For continuous production of salad plants you should sow seeds on a fortnightly basis throughout the spring and summer. Choosing several cultivars with different maturing times will also help to keep the salad garden productive.
Many salad leaves can be sown in wide drills and the leaves snipped as needed or thinnings used, leaving plants to grow on at final spacings. Cut and come again salads can take some time to resprout, so sow a succession of rows or several containers.
Seed Trays
(seed, trays, windowsill, greenhouse)Sow seeds in trays on the windowsill or in the greenhouse. Recycle take-away containers by stabbing little holes in the bottom with the tip of a knife, and use the lid as a saucer.
Fill with potting
compost and plant seeds. Water well and cover with cling film until the seedlings just start to emerge. Use a spray bottle to water daily.