Planning your planting area

[Gryfon]

Ok I know I don't have an allotment but I do have a garden which I need to plan into planting areas.

So should I work out what I want to grow, how much space I need and then build my raised beds to that? Or should I go for fitting my raised beds in where I can and then plant around that? I've decided that the children don't really need that much lawn

[selfraising]

Ok I know I don't have an allotment but I do have a garden which I need to plan into planting areas.

So should I work out what I want to grow, how much space I need and then build my raised beds to that? Or should I go for fitting my raised beds in where I can and then plant around that? I've decided that the children don't really need that much lawn

Hi Gryfon, I don't have an allotment either but 3 raised beds in the garden and several containers. I do a plan for them each year and work out how much space I've got, what I want to grow and then plan accordingly. I find that way I'm not sowing more than I need, so saves on seed. I keep the plans from previous years and then adapt them for the next year. I also find it useful to keep a written record of what I've sown when, how long it took to germinate and whether I had any problems with it.

[Gryfon]

Thanks for that. I really need to go out and measure the garden but my tape measures only go to about 3m! Really wish I did have an allotment so I wouldn't have to consider lawn for the children and a patio for the bbq!

[Eyren]

I would just put in as many beds as you have space for - it's a lot easy to change a planting plan than a physical bed! Like selfraising I keep copious written notes - it's fun to look back on them during the winter and look forward to doing it better the following year

One thing to remember is not to make your beds too wide - I had to revise my allotment plan last year after I realised that my original ones made it hard for me to reach the middle. Ideal width is about 3-4ft; any wider and you will have trouble reaching (unless you're a gibbon!), any narrower and you waste too much ground on paths.

[SarzWix]

If you're anywhere near a DIY shop, you can get a 10m tape measure for not too much. Better with 2 people because it's a bit floppy, but a lot easier than the 3m ones.

I'd just try and fit in as much growing space as possible, you'll never have trouble filling it

[Gryfon]

Thanks Bought some non-stretchy string today to measure. I have a feeling the garden is about 30' wide...it used to be 70' long but we've added a conservatory and patio to that.

I think it's gonna be a long spring! I suppose my first thing should be to not only plan the areas but clear the greenhouse and finish glassing it so I can plant my seeds!

[Paulottie]

Just below your waist you'll find your legs...one good pace = about 1; yd;3ft or 90cm.

Yeah...s*d the kids football area especially if you do the mowing

Four beds are ideal for a rotation but it is not so essential with fertile raised beds as things tend to go in when there is space, Just be a bit careful to plant tall stuff where it wont shade out sensitive stuff (eg Onions).

[tootles]

If I were you (and this is what I did) I would dig up the end of the garden and not raise the beds just yet. If you have a 70' garden - conservatory (10'?) I would dig 1/4 of what is left (ie 15'x30'). Grow for a season in ground height beds and then decide in the Autumn what is likely to suit you best. I did somerhing along the same lines the autumn before last - and realised I need MUCH more space (and don't want raised beds!)

[allotmentlady]

Decide what u want to grow, then how much space you need, 2 or 3 raised beds and a few pots should be ok for starters, you can always extend and make more beds, if you run out of space. Happy Vegetable growing!

[FionaH]

I have built raised beds where I can't dig down, (hardcore and stuff not far below the surface) I have larger beds where I have decentish soil. I was going to build raised beds on the largest patch but have decided to wait and see how it goes as this is my first year growing. So doing what Tootles suggested really!

[Alan Farmer]

Good advice Lady, start small and grow bigger, better to grow a little properly than start ambitiously and not keep up