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What veg can grown in 6 inches of soil?

tuffnelljohntuffnelljohn Posts: 284
in Fruit & veg
Hi all,

I have a spare foldable raised veg bed that I thought Id make use of this year. Its only about 6 inches deep. But what to plant in it? Obviously carrots are not an option.

Perhaps onions or beetroot? Or is all root veg not a non-starter?

If so then perhaps brussel sprouts? calibrese?

Thanks

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Posts

  • tuffnelljohntuffnelljohn Posts: 284
    I should also say, the only spare space I have to put it doesnt get the sun from 2pm onwards.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Beetroot, lettuce and other salad leaves would be fine, as would low-growing leafy greens, such as some cabbages similar brassicas.  Brussels and calabrese grow too tall and need a deeper firm soil to prevent wind-rock, so I'd avoid those.  Dwarf beans would be fine too.  They'll all take longer to crop than usual with limited sun, but should get there.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Not brassicas.  They like to be planted firmly and 6" in compost in a raised bed won't offer that.  There are small round carrots such as "Paris market" you could try.  I suspect small onions rather than giant would do well and of course salads and radishes and strawberries.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Is it movable? Yes great suggestions from Bob,you could put cherry tomatoes, strawberries round the edge. Beetroot and onions although shallow rooted take up a lot of space
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Spring onions would work better than bulb types.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • tuffnelljohntuffnelljohn Posts: 284
    Ive just thought, I have some chard seedlings. Perhaps they would do?

    I like the thought of cheery tomatoes/strawberries around the edge.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You haven't said what the dimensions are, but I certainly wouldn't put tomatoes round the edge. They'll get too big, and need supports, so you wouldn't be able to access the middle of the bed. 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    The smaller trailing/hanging basket tomatoes like "Tumbler" might work though, if they get enough sun.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I would go for any brassicas, they need very firm soil around,  you could try the strawberries Nd the cherry tomatoes if you get a small basket variety, not tall ones. 
    Salads would be the best though. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Perhaps the Chantenay variety of carrot may do - short and chubby and can be grown successfully in troughs.  May be worth a try :)   Otherwise I'd be inclined towards the cut and come salads.
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