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Planning Veg Plot

I have decided to use an area of my garden for growing vegetables.
I want to try a no dig veg plot.
Would I be better to terrace the slope to level individuals beds for different vegetables.
Any advice welcome.

Posts

  • Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
    Should have said the slope is SW facing.
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093
    I would.
    Growing veg in the traditional sense - i.e. mostly annuals with weeded, clear ground between rows of plants - when it rains, if it's on a slope, your soil washes down. That makes it harder to keep the nutrients where you want them and means your soil is poorer at the top of the slope, making rotation more difficult. Ideally you want reasonably consistent conditions across the beds so you can plant anything anywhere and rotate regularly.

    It will be easier with terraces, and the steeper the slope the more true that will be. Having said that, lots of very narrow terraced beds would be challenging, so it would be better if the terraces can be reasonably wide
    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    Probably depends on the size of the plot and how steep the slope is?
    East Lancs
  • Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
    Many thanks for response and that makes sense.
    I need to make a start on it. 
    I had planned to do it earlier but other things have got in the way in recent months.
    Peter
  • Do not think of the beds as beds for specific veg. because you should rotate your veg. around the beds each year on a 3 year rotation to avoid build up of diseases ie club root in brassicas. You will find lots of info.on line re crop rotation when you get around to growing. Terraced beds is a good idea because you will be able to reach both sides of each bed. Good luck.
  • Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
    No understand and will do. Many thanks for response. Thanks. Peter
  • Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
    Size of plot on the slope 3700mm x 2700mm. Gradient by my calculations is 1:38.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    mm ... milimetres?! 🤯

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100

    Slope. Any better   :)

    Height 72cm (2ft 4 inches)

    Width 370cm (12ft 2 inches)

    Length 270cm (8ft 10inches)

    Gradient 1:38

     

  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813
    https://charlesdowding.co.uk/

    Why not take the top of the slope and add it on top of the bottom bit and you will have a level bed.


    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
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