Stupid question, what do you want the companions to do? Some are supposed to lure pests away, some disguise the crop, some attract beneficial insects and apparently some add nutrients like nitrogen to the soil.
Be careful with mint as it can become a pest, tho its such a pleasent job removing it, that i never cared!
I like nasturtiums, but they get really big towards the end of the season, it depends how tidy you like things
Really interested to see what you choose and how it works for you
Based on the comments in the companion thread, I'm thinking of marigolds to try and deter whitefly and aphids generally and mint to try and confuse carrot fly. I know what you mean about the mint, I'm thinking I might plant it in pots and place them strategically.
I'm getting a couple of raised beds at the back of the garden approx 500mm wide as I am wanting them to disguise the fence and it is concreted underneath. I am exceptionally lucky to have access to lots of manure though. I thought the raised beds started for people in gardens that had no soil. 15 plus years ago I just had a concrete yard so built raised beds so I could have some life in the garden. Thinking long term, where I have moved to no-one seems to do any gardening so at least if we have to move again, it will be something simple for the next family to continue with.
The Classic French Potager is in squares and raised only specifically for handicapped gardeners, otherwise following the bio methods organic compost etc is added at this time of year and topped up regularly to form a crumbly mound. Each square is surrounded by herbs and flowers that attract bugs/bees and caterpillars that either attract or deter attention from your crops. I plant nasturtiums to attract blackfly away from broad beans - works a treat. Marigolds are great for attracting slugs, whilst thyme deters slugs. All looks very pretty too. More and more people are recommending growing onions/garlic and roots on ridges. The root system of the flowers and herbs that surround the squares keep the raised soil in place. I run an 8 square system and grow courgettes and cucumbers in wooden boxes (The ones they collect apples in) Although I am going to try a climbing gold courgette from T & M this year for the first time.
The only thing that I don't like about raised beds is that they are so small so that you can rightly reach accross without stepping on anything.but you can't grow alot of food in them. There may be only 2 of us but we do like our veg and salads. Hence 8 beds!
Sounds great Biofreak, I like your apple box idea.
Well I have taken the plunge and ordered materials for one 8x5 foot raised bed. Primary decision Making criteria... We think it will look nice
Its going to be built out of two layers of 7x2 carcassing so should be about 14" deep. Maybe a bit less depending how its sits.
Found this eco wood preservative that others may be interested in. I wasn't 100% sure about treated wood for veg beds, although I think its probably ok this looks like a good idea.
Hi, just a little update for those who are interested....
Here is the raised bed i eventually decided to build. As much because it looks nice as a feature in the garden as anything else.
I've ordered 2 tonnes of soil as well, to fill it with. Not sure im going to need all 2 tonnes now.... Then again people say it never goes as far as you think it will... Feels like the pile i just shoveled in was 10 tonnes worth!
Anyway, should be good to get some crops planted in the next week or so. Times getting on isnt it!
Posts
Be careful with mint as it can become a pest, tho its such a pleasent job removing it, that i never cared!
I like nasturtiums, but they get really big towards the end of the season, it depends how tidy you like things
Really interested to see what you choose and how it works for you
Anyone suggested builder merchants dumpy bags? Usually free or very cheap and easy to get. I've seen a couple of pop up gardens on TV using them.
Based on the comments in the companion thread, I'm thinking of marigolds to try and deter whitefly and aphids generally and mint to try and confuse carrot fly. I know what you mean about the mint, I'm thinking I might plant it in pots and place them strategically.
Seems a common thread that folks who garden really want to encourage others to do it too..nice people
The Classic French Potager is in squares and raised only specifically for handicapped gardeners, otherwise following the bio methods organic compost etc is added at this time of year and topped up regularly to form a crumbly mound. Each square is surrounded by herbs and flowers that attract bugs/bees and caterpillars that either attract or deter attention from your crops. I plant nasturtiums to attract blackfly away from broad beans - works a treat. Marigolds are great for attracting slugs, whilst thyme deters slugs. All looks very pretty too. More and more people are recommending growing onions/garlic and roots on ridges. The root system of the flowers and herbs that surround the squares keep the raised soil in place. I run an 8 square system and grow courgettes and cucumbers in wooden boxes (The ones they collect apples in) Although I am going to try a climbing gold courgette from T & M this year for the first time.
Companion planting is also about growing plants together that grow well but also those that do not grow well together
The only thing that I don't like about raised beds is that they are so small so that you can rightly reach accross without stepping on anything.but you can't grow alot of food in them. There may be only 2 of us but we do like our veg and salads. Hence 8 beds!
Well I have taken the plunge and ordered materials for one 8x5 foot raised bed. Primary decision Making criteria... We think it will look nice
Its going to be built out of two layers of 7x2 carcassing so should be about 14" deep. Maybe a bit less depending how its sits.
Found this eco wood preservative that others may be interested in. I wasn't 100% sure about treated wood for veg beds, although I think its probably ok this looks like a good idea.
http://www.harrodhorticultural.com/eco-wood-treatment-pid8674.html
I also planted some marigold seeds at the weekend to get me on the road to companion planting later in the year.
Just need to find some time to fix this bed together now!
Will post some pics when I get a spare day or two to get started
Hi, just a little update for those who are interested....
Here is the raised bed i eventually decided to build. As much because it looks nice as a feature in the garden as anything else.
I've ordered 2 tonnes of soil as well, to fill it with. Not sure im going to need all 2 tonnes now.... Then again people say it never goes as far as you think it will... Feels like the pile i just shoveled in was 10 tonnes worth!
Anyway, should be good to get some crops planted in the next week or so. Times getting on isnt it!