Well today was very productive built the other 2 raised beds. My 3rd bed is a no dig bed as I've broken my back digging the rest over...
I have covered this bed in newspapers and cardboard and then I'm filling it up with 1part topsoil 1 part mushroom compost and 1part soil improver.
By the time the newspaper and cardboard has broken down the grass underneath should have composted down.
Next is the raspberries, these are overgrown with more grass...
TBC
Not being able to get to the plot all weekend was doing my head in. I had dropped off the timber for the raised beds last thursday and not been able to start the build. This afternoon was different, I got the first bed built and raked over (again). I uncovered the spuds from frost covers and they had broken through the soil so I back filled a little.
The tap has been fitted albeit badly as it's leaking in two places (council plumbers) and I've watered the ground to full extent.
I will build two more beds before I cover them all in cardboard and newspapers then fill them up with compost 10 tonne bags at a guess these are £40 a bag from my local Knights garden centre, and think that's a good deal?
Following the second dig of bed two which took 3 goes and thats not including the first dig to clear the surface grass. I managed to plant out a gutter full of peas which I errected a 22mm net to support using some batton and a bamboo Caine across the top.
The allotment is without a tap as this is disconnected each winter and yet to be reconnected, so I hope the gods will help out until such times. I am now going to focus on bed 3 which I will raise 6 inches with kickboards and this will become a no dig bed. I will add a layer of compost, several layers of newspaper, then alternate layers of compost and manure to fill the 6 inch.
I'll post the pics and results.
