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Latest Articles
Review of Making the Most of It
A review of the book Making the Most of It by Barrington Markham
smallholding
15:56, 12th Mar 2009
Keeping Chickens
Find out more about the practicalities of keeping chickens
livestock
13:01, 23rd Feb 2009
Smallholding for Rent in Ireland
Rent a smallholding in County Clare, Ireland
smallholding
15:58, 16th Feb 2009
Small Holding For Sale in Slovenia
Buy a small holding in Slovenia and read the story of its current owner
smallholding
13:24, 29th Oct 2008
Why Buy a Polytunnel
Learn about Polytunnels and their benefits
building
17:12, 17th Sep 2008
Make Your Own DIY Polytunnel
Find out how to make your own robust polytunnel for half the price of the retail product
building
17:12, 17th Sep 2008
Hunting Rabbit
Find out how to hunt for delicious rabbit
hunting
14:58, 17th Sep 2008
Green Manure
Find out the benefits of green manure and its uses
grow your own
10:25, 14th Aug 2008
Raised Beds
Learn how to build and use raised growing beds.
Raised Beds
grow your ownOne sure fire way to damage the structure of your soil is to walk on it - therefore raised beds or slightly elevated beds of soil can be built which can be walked around, and planted and harvested with ease. Raising the level of the soil keeps away some weeds, and promotes good drainage. The can also act as a barrier to snails and slugs.
Pictured above is an example of how you can make a raised vegetable growing bed out of planks of 6" x 1" wood and some 18" lengths of 4" x 4". The picture is pretty self explanatory and construction very simple. The area which is to become the vegetable plot should then be double dug over and the soil heaped in the centre away from the sides. The completed wooden structure is then turned upside down and the corners hammered one by one and inch by inch into the earth. If the raised plot is more then 6 feet long then additional 4" x 4" stakes should be added at 3 feet intervals to prevent the soil leaking out from bowed and twisted wood.
Use a spirit level to ensure that the raised area is level in all directions. As soon as it is level mix any soil improvement material (manure, compost, fertilizer etc) with the soil and spread it all out. Water the bed evenly with a fine spray and leave the soil to settle for a few days after which another inch or two of soil will need to be added.
It is very important that treated wood is not used. It contains preservative chemicals which will leach into the soil over time and therefore into the vegetables you grow. Instead use naturally rot resistant wood.
Article Published: 17:13, 15th Apr 2006
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Growing Rhubarb
Find out how to grow and care for rhubarb
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Types of Soil
Learn about the different types of soil
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Grow Strawberries in Hanging Baskets
Find out more about the benefits of growing strawberries in hanging baskets
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Companion Planting
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