prep for raised veggie bed
Claire
5 years ago
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Nil13 usda:10a sunset:21 LA,CA (Mount Wash.)
5 years agoRelated Discussions
(Newb) Small 4x4 raised bed, soil prep, critters, I've got it all
Comments (3)(1) When I replant the tomatoes, how deep should I plant? Since I didn't prep the underlying clay, should I dig that out and add something to it (compost, e.g.,) before replanting the tomatoes? Plant them so most all of any exposed stem is buried. Either deep holes or trench them in. More digging sure can't hurt but it would be easier to just add more compost and mix it in to the top so you are working with a good 8-10" of new. Let the worms do the work of turning it in. (2) I've got a 2' fence flush against the bed but something is getting in and eating the strawberries. There's no obvious tracks in the soil, could it just be bugs? As mention - slugs snails and many other possibilities. Move them to a container for the good of all issues. (3) Do I need to move the strawberries? There's 3 plants, I'm told the yield will be low the first year, I'm considering moving them to a trough this year and then to their own bed next year. 3 plants won't give you much yield. Not even a small handful of berries. Honestly not worth planting so few plants. Put them in a pot and plan to plant many more next year in a larger container. (4) The row of scallions and row of carrots have sprouted, I planted densely planning to thin - when should I thin and by how much at first? Growing up we didn't thin until we could at least discern which plants were doing better. I'm nowhere near that point but since I planted so densely I'd want to make sure I thin on time Since this is such a small bed and sounds like it is heavily over-planted already if you want any carrots at all you will have to thin aggressively. Begin thinning as soon as the seedlings are large enough to ID individual plants - usually 3/4-1" tall. Do a follow up thinning when they are 2-3" tall and again until they are approx. 3" apart. (5) I'm pretty sure this soil mix is only good for about 60-90 days and I'm not sure what I need to do then. Dig it out and replace it? Add something to it? Not at all, you just keep mixing in more compost and nutrient supplements. You will not be able to count on this new soil for sufficient nutrients without you adding supplements. There is no active soil micro-herd yet to convert the compost to nutrient forms. (6) Assuming our garden is successful (so far, so good, I've maintained it minimally) we plan to expand next year. What should I do with the soil this summer/fall, if anything? Raised beds again is what we'd prefer. Just build more of the same or my personal preference is 3' wide and long as you have room for. It's a more efficient use of space and provides easier access. 2x a year additions of lots of fresh quality compost. If you can get some well-aged manure for adding in the fall - great. otherwise buy several bags of composted manure now while the garden centers have them and add them in the fall. Good luck with your garden. Dave...See MoreRaised beds-- how to prep for winter?
Comments (4)Any combination of the things mentioned. I used to bury a lot of fall leaves(layered). Some people plant rye, clovers, to be tilled in in the spring(green manure) I would not add any manure now, because the nutrients will sink down by rain and snow water, unless you cover the bed with plastic. I consider soil test and liming ,if needed, most important part of fall preparation. If your soil happens to be excessively acid, fall is the time to treat it. It take months for lime to get activated and bound into the soil. This post was edited by seysonn on Sat, Sep 14, 13 at 4:56...See MoreVeggie bed prep question?...
Comments (6)LOL..goldenrain tree...funny! No, not that I am aware. I think the weeds are 'wild' salvia seedlings or wild Angelonia? The leaves (spear shaped, long and pointy)looks very similar, but it has tiny blue flowers. They have popped up EVERYWHERE in my yard en masse....containers, garden area, between pavers...ugh! I pull and RoundUp what I can, but can't seem to eradicate it all. It must just be my yard if you all are not dealing with this as well. I guess I'll just mulch and weed and mulch and weed....See MorePrepping Soil in Raised Bed
Comments (8)Definitely MULCH! It really helps keep the moisture in the soil in the hot summer months and also will keep the spray from your soaker hose from splashing on your plants. Mulch on top of the soaker hose. You can use straw, pinestraw, hay, grass clippings, chopped up leaves, newspapers, etc. Pretty much anything that keeps the weeds down but lets moisture in, will work. You want to try to make sure that any straw/hay/grass you use doesn't have lots of weed seeds in it, so get it from a reliable source or you'll be growing more weeds than veggies. Susan...See MoreNHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agotheforgottenone1013 (SE MI zone 5b/6a)
5 years agoClaire
5 years agoJo
4 years agoClaire
4 years agoJo
4 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoJo
4 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoJo
4 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
4 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
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Nil13 usda:10a sunset:21 LA,CA (Mount Wash.)