Sorry, I'm going to be the one that brings no-dig into the equation now lol.
@carters5 could you post some pics of the soil please?? Just a hand trowel in, dug up and in your hand so I can have a look?
From what you've said, I suspect Bob's advice is spot on, especially given how you've described the soil as very sunken etc, but put some pictures up and I can tell better.
You're spot on, worms are a very good sign, and the fact that peas and lettuce etc are growing is also a good sign.
Also are we talking a complete 'in the ground' plot, or is it a raised bed in a wooden 'box' ?
Hi Richard. I'll be popping along tomorrow so I will take a couple of pictures for you. It's a complete 'in the ground' plot as don't want raised beds. I want as 'au natural' as possible ha. Hold on, does this mean I have to hold worms in my hand too? ewwww...I'll take a quick one before I squirm, as much as I love and respect worms in my hand is pushing it lol.
I mean, you could always try gardening gloves 😂
That's what I meant
Mix 2tbsp of white,granulated sugar with 1tbsp of water and place on a spoon for a Bee to reach. Sometimes they're too exhausted to reach back to the hives when it's hot and dry.
First year I was here was awful, and I didn't move in until June. If you have had lots of potatoes in, I wouldn't plant any, you will probably have some come up anyway. Beans will grow in just about anything, so try some broad beans, peas, runners and french and see how you go. Over winter, lots of muck or compost.
Also did I read that you've already dug the ground over before planting etc?
Of course I thought of gloves (not) shhhh. lol.
Yup, I had to dig over the ground as it was literally covered in grass, weeds, brambles, years old potatoes and root veg. I didn't want to as I read up on how long it takes for even 5mm of soil to reach a good stage so I'm with you on the no dig format however, I can apply this from now on.
Mix 2tbsp of white,granulated sugar with 1tbsp of water and place on a spoon for a Bee to reach. Sometimes they're too exhausted to reach back to the hives when it's hot and dry.
First year I was here was awful, and I didn't move in until June. If you have had lots of potatoes in, I wouldn't plant any, you will probably have some come up anyway. Beans will grow in just about anything, so try some broad beans, peas, runners and french and see how you go. Over winter, lots of muck or compost.
Ha fidgetbones - love the name - blimmin' potatoes! they still pop up here there everywhere and all day I mumble "If I see another bloody potato plant!" I have three wigwams up at the moment, one with runners, one with French climbers and another with peas. The peas are doing well, the French seem to be ok albeit a bit slow as they're still only a finger in length and the runners? third time attempt - first I sowed too early and frost killed them, second my cat ate them but then I planted anyway and they didn't grow back - I don't know why, I mean they only lost their heads lol - and this time I sowed plugs AND seeds as a double whammy and two poles have largish ones and the other six poles are still tiny. How can I speed them up? Tomato feed or Seaweed? what ya reckon?
Mix 2tbsp of white,granulated sugar with 1tbsp of water and place on a spoon for a Bee to reach. Sometimes they're too exhausted to reach back to the hives when it's hot and dry.
Also did I read that you've already dug the ground over before planting etc?
Of course I thought of gloves (not) shhhh. lol.
Yup, I had to dig over the ground as it was literally covered in grass, weeds, brambles, years old potatoes and root veg. I didn't want to as I read up on how long it takes for even 5mm of soil to reach a good stage so I'm with you on the no dig format however, I can apply this from now on.
Good news is a good no-dig system isn't that hard or long to get back to!
If you've already dug out all the weeds and most of the rubbish etc, you could potentially get some late stuff in (if money allows), but it's best to just leave it for this year aside from what's already growing.
Confident all you need is a good amount of composted organic matter, but get some pics up tomorrow 👍
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Also did I read that you've already dug the ground over before planting etc?
Yup, I had to dig over the ground as it was literally covered in grass, weeds, brambles, years old potatoes and root veg. I didn't want to as I read up on how long it takes for even 5mm of soil to reach a good stage so I'm with you on the no dig format however, I can apply this from now on.
I have three wigwams up at the moment, one with runners, one with French climbers and another with peas. The peas are doing well, the French seem to be ok albeit a bit slow as they're still only a finger in length and the runners? third time attempt - first I sowed too early and frost killed them, second my cat ate them but then I planted anyway and they didn't grow back - I don't know why, I mean they only lost their heads lol - and this time I sowed plugs AND seeds as a double whammy and two poles have largish ones and the other six poles are still tiny. How can I speed them up? Tomato feed or Seaweed? what ya reckon?
If you've already dug out all the weeds and most of the rubbish etc, you could potentially get some late stuff in (if money allows), but it's best to just leave it for this year aside from what's already growing.
Confident all you need is a good amount of composted organic matter, but get some pics up tomorrow 👍