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And so it begins

DogmumDogmum Posts: 96
in Fruit & veg
I Just wanted to share a picture of the bed I’ve dug today.  We moved here earlier this year and I’ve decided it’s finally time for me to have the garden I’ve day dreamed about for years.

It’s the first veg bed I’ve ever dug, whether it’s right or not I’m not sure but I’m actually rather proud of it.  It’s 1m wide and 2m long. 
I lifted the turf, dug it over a couple of times, raked more grass roots out and dug in 4 bags of local rotted manure, gave it another rake and then covered with another 3 bags of the manure.
 I’m thinking that I’ll just leave it like that now until it’s time to plant my runner beans, is that correct?
In the photo you can also see the turf that I lifted, I’m thinking of putting another bed there for pumpkin and butternut squash, any thoughts on that?
I just need to use/dispose of the old dodgy turf now, if I stack it up will the grass die so I can use the soil or will it start sprouting?
Thanks for taking the time to read.

Tomorrow is another day

Posts

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Once trimmed, you can stack your turf, grass side down and cover with old compost bags or similar.  It will gradually break down and in 12 months or so can be then be used as an infill or a top up for your raised bed.   
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Agree re the turf. If you have any black plastic, (old compost bags split open and put inside out) or even better ground cover membrane.  Cover your lovely new bed till spring then no weeds will germinate through the winter. The soil will warm faster and give you a head start in spring. You could grow a quick salad crop and clear it before it's time to put the beans in.  Double bubble 😄
    AB Still learning

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Cut your lifted turf into squares and stack them grass to grass, soil to soil in a corner and they will break down over a season to a good tilth you can put back on the dug beds.    try and source some good, well-rotted manure or garden comost or soil improver to layer over your newly dug bed and leave for the worms and co to work into your soil over winter.  It will improve fertility for whatever you plant.
    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
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