I'm on a promise!

[basketcase]

I've been offered a plot!

Well, actually it’s a half-plot, which is fine because I can't manage a full one. And I’ve only sort of got it at the mo because it’s being cleared prior to splitting into 2. I’ve been told that the latest it’ll be available is the end of this month.

I’ve already got quite a few things to put in it. I was growing things from seed with a view to planting them on in containers, so I’ve got an instant bean wigwam, some courgettes, cucumbers, rocket, mixed salads, herbs and various flowers (to attract bees and things!) Oh, and some Jerusalem Artichokes.

As I want to get stuff in relatively quickly I was planning on going the no-dig route. BUT, all the articles I’ve seen use raised beds for no-dig. I could do this, but they don’t seem to be as flexible - and they cost money.

Can I use no-dig on ordinary beds? And what about paths? I’d hoped to use wood-chips – of which I can get a free supply. Can you use them on un-edged paths?

All help appreciated.

[Snadger]

You don't have to use a bed system so don' be browbeat into thinking you have to. Fruit and veg have been grown traditionally for eons.........so you're not alone.
Using chippings on paths is also ok with either method. Because you will have no edging to contain the chippings and delineate the growing areas it will give a 'softer' edge to the paths.
If you are following the no dig route I would use heavy organic mulch for the growing areas and just plant through it.
This way, without digging, the topsoil will still be enriched by the surface fauna and flora slowly amalgamating the mulch.
It may look a bit untidy at first..........but mother nature doesn't work in straight lines!

Just one tip.......no dig isn't a lazy type of gardening it can be very heavy work toting tonnes and tonnes of mulch around the plot!

Good luck!

[basketcase]

Thanks for getting back, Snadger.

I wasn't looking for a 'lazy' way (just as well, by the sound of it! ) just a quick way to get some beds down so that I can get my stuff in. There'll be plenty of time to double , or even triple trench later. Triple trenching!! never heard of it till I bought a book! That'll teach me to read...

I wasn't sure if the woodchips would be 'contained' without edging. However, I can't draw a straight line with a ruler, so fuzzy edges sounds my thing!

Thanks for the advice
Elizabeth

PS What's heavy mulch? Starting from scratch, I don't think I'll have much of any weight!

[Sanjo]

One of the grapes on here makes raised beds by digging up the pathway and putting that on the bed, thereby raising the sides (I think I read that here - was it Zazen -or did I just dream it!!!)
Then the pathway, which is now lower can have weed control fabric put down and the woodchips on top of that. The now raised sides of the bed will contain the chippings on the path. Does that make sense!! Didn't sleep well last night so brain not very active. Anyway, whichever grape it is will be bound to put us both right.

[basketcase]

One of the grapes on here makes raised beds by digging up the pathway and putting that on the bed, thereby raising the sides (I think I read that here - was it Zazen -or did I just dream it!!!)
Then the pathway, which is now lower can have weed control fabric put down and the woodchips on top of that. The now raised sides of the bed will contain the chippings on the path. Does that make sense!! Didn't sleep well last night so brain not very active. Anyway, whichever grape it is will be bound to put us both right.

Well it made sense to me. Thanks, Sanjo.