If you want a loose soil structure in which your plants roots will thrive, then you need to double dig your beds. Mostly used on new sites, it enables air to penetrates lower levels of soil if it is compacted and a heavy material like clay (as is mine)
I tried this today, admittedly it's hard work, but hopefully my roots will appreciate it. I work on it for over an hour and only got as far as 2x1 metre, I quickly calculated that it would take me approx 16 hours to do the area I wanted. Hmm not possible. I think i will aim to double dig the root plot, and perhaps the potatoes if I have time and leave the beds for beans and peas till next year, or when the site isn't so waterlogged as it is now.
I'm glad I have my particular plot now as the others around seemed to be filled with puddles, somehow my sections has remained free from standing water (hehehe, I may have evil thistles, but no puddles)
Also my muck arrived today, not quite as much as I'd hoped, I really can't see how it will cover much of my allotment, so I may have to visit Sami's stables for a top up.
Update on beans planted a week ago - they haven't surfaced, oh dear.
Double dig trench
About me
I'm a half Finnish designer who has since taken a break to bring up my children. I used to work in Graphic Design, but now I prefer working with textiles and illustration. This blog is about my allotment and garden. I have been gardening for many years and grew up watching my mum and dad do the same. I began my allotment in Jan 2010 in memory of my father who passed a way just before then. I also love cooking and finding inventive and delicious ways to make my produce into meals. I'm growing with my experiences, and welcome any helpful advice! Sometime soon I hope to use my garden as inspiration for my art.
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