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Clearing raised patio area to plant climbing Veg

Fio2011eI5MxLkjFio2011eI5MxLkj Posts: 10
in Problem solving
Hello all!  Just subscribed as redesigned my garden to grow veg:)   The sunniest part of garden had a raised one brick height 9'x5' patio which I am currently removing.  I had hoped to create a 15" width planting bed 9' along the fence where patio was.  However, the hardcore is so solid going down 10" inches.  Still no earth.  So now thinking maybe better to put raised bed along there. Hmmm? Though not sure about drainage.  The rest of the patio area will just be levelled and graveled to fot with rest of that garden area....maybe a firepit later.  I was hoping to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, melons and beans.  Anything vertical   I had hoped to plant a dwarf plum tree too.  Dont really want to throw grow bags along there.   Hmmm?  Any help advice would be much appreciated.  Thank you! 
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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    A photo of the site will help, but if there's a good layer of hardcore there, the drainage will probably be fine. Up against a fence or wall can often be quite dry  - in a rain shadow, which will affect the growing conditions.
    You can add plenty of soil/compost/manure etc, depending on what you intend growing in that site. A raised bed of around a foot in height will be fine for most plants though. The aspect of the bed will also be factor in deciding on the most suitable plants to have there.  
    If you're planting elsewhere on the site, it's likely to be the same underneath, and even if you reach soil, it won't be terribly hospitable - that's the usual problem when soil's been under paving for a long time.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    As the plants you mention are basically annuals here, a good MPC/Top soil mix bed of 12 to 15 inches deep should see them thru the year.  The aspect is important too and Cukes tend to prefer a slightly shadier/more humid atmosphere than Tomatoes.  Melons are pretty greedy and you will have to consider that you will want to support the fruit - even the smaller varieties can be quite heavy as they mature.
    Can't vouch for the dwarf plum but I expect someone else will have some advice for you.
  • Fio2011eI5MxLkjFio2011eI5MxLkj Posts: 10
    Thank you both for your comments! I hadn't thought of lack of rain etc due to being next to fence.   I almost did buy grow bags this afternoon! Ha! Tested drainage wasnt too bad.  Just thought the cement wouldnt be good for veg/me.....hmmm?  Though guy at garden center said most gardens have loads of rubble and cement from the house build that is then covered with soil....really?...anyway thanks again.   Will keep going🙂
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If it's a new build property, then yes-  the soil is often rubbish. You only need to look at the number of threads here about grass failing because of it. Compacted and full of rubbish is exactly the case more often than not.

    It's difficult for us to imagine your site without enough info though. We have no idea which direction your proposed bed faces, hence the question about aspect.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Fio2011eI5MxLkjFio2011eI5MxLkj Posts: 10
    Thanks🙂 ....it's not a new build but lots of work done to terrace in 1990's.    I'll send you photo.  My garden is east facing.  Fence south facing. 

     I'm now looking to get a 4x4 greenhouse. To replace the 2x2 plastic one.  I might start a new post about that. Hmmm? Its all about sunlight and heat I've read.  I was going to put in driveway but that only gets Sun 11am until 4 or 5pm.  I bought a deep raised planter for there to see how things grow.

    But now looking to put in garden so from April will get 8am to 4pm perhaps later when sun is high then kitchen/house will shade it.

    I think I'll throw grow bags down along fence until I decide about raised bed.  Was looking at sleepers....hmmm? 

    I really want to grow fruit and veg🙂
  • Fio2011eI5MxLkjFio2011eI5MxLkj Posts: 10

  • Fio2011eI5MxLkjFio2011eI5MxLkj Posts: 10

  • Fio2011eI5MxLkjFio2011eI5MxLkj Posts: 10

  • Fio2011eI5MxLkjFio2011eI5MxLkj Posts: 10
    So wall will be removed and fence will be put up at end of my drive.  So I have more sunlight getting into garden amd where 4x4 greenhouse will go.
  • Fio2011eI5MxLkjFio2011eI5MxLkj Posts: 10
    Though really need help in deciding correct position.  Haven't bought it yet! Sun is low in winter so wont get any during winter....hmmmm? 
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