How does my plan for my plot look?

[Madhouseof5]

Does this look ok to the more experienced Grapes? I showed hubby last night and he seemed to think that there was too many paths and the beds weren't big enough. I think it is too hard to tell scale on a plan, but the beds are approx 1.2m x 3.9m. I think if they were too much bigger it would be difficult to weed them. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

All measurements are approx right now until I can get the plot clear enough for accurate measurements. It has to be fenced in to keep my kiddies safe from the little stream (which is incredibly deep right now with all the rain). We have 3 conifers on the edge of the plot, close to the waters edge, so the plot kind of curves around them, so I figured a small sandpit for the kids would help keep them amused for a while (which will be covered when not in use). The 9.8m does not include the sandpit.

I guess the only way to tell if it would really work would be to mark it out with string, but if I could get my lottie to look anything like this, I would be chuffed to pieces!

Also, would you raise the beds, or just outline with planks of wood at ground level?

[snakeshack]

the lay out looks fine,what is the orientation ie which way does the sun track as this will influence what grows best where.
keeping the beds 1.2m wide will allow you to reach the middle without treading on them or ricking your back which is good,leaving the middle path wider is also good from the point of wheelbarrow access
where will you put the chooks and the bees (you know you want to)

[Madhouseof5]

Thanks! Don't get me started on chooks, I really want some, but hubby is saying no for now. I am tempted to get some to keep at home as the garden is already wrecked. I wonder what my rabbits would make of them?!

Anyway, the bottom left corner faces south.

[piskieinboots]

Bet your white tee-shirt doesn't stay that white

[Nicos]

How wide are side paths?
I'd go for 1m wide at the sides so you can easily get a barrow down there- also the same next to the compost and shed- if not a tad more to allow for a bonfire..infact I'd sacrifice those top two beds.
Oh- and do you really want to sit next to the compost in the hot summer days ???- I'd think about sitting somewhere near the sand pit

looks graet those- lovely location!
What I have noticed is that some of your neighbours are planting in one direction- and the others at 90 degrees to that! Might be worth asking why they chose that particular way???

[Madhouseof5]

The side paths and the path between the beds are just 50cm wide, the middle path is 1m wide to allow the barrow through. We will have a gate by the compost bins so it makes more sense to have a wider path at that end. The beds right by the sandpit ended up being very wide as by then I couldn't be bothered as it was late, lol! I think I will start at the end by the sandpit and that way I will have extra room by the shed & compost bins. I don't think we will be sitting by the bins....ewww! I think I will put my waterbutts where the chairs are (no taps on site).

The aerial photo is quite old. The 2 plots have since become 4, the plot across from mine doesn't have a polytunnel on it anymore. I will ask the neighbours why they plant the way they do. I am thinking the 2 plots on the left get more shade from the trees & hedges on their side (to the left of their plots, on the southern side) where my trees on on the northernish side

[Jeanied]

Ideally you would plant tall things (runner beans) from north to south so they get sunshine both sides and don't shade other things too much. Your plot layout is a dead ringer for mine!

[zazen999]

It looks fine MH; however I would suggest just putting weed fabric down rather than making permanent sides for the beds for the first year; so that you know you are happy with them.

If you do come to need beds making up; and don't want to do it yourself - call me won't you

[binley100]

Flippin 'eck you should be joining Piskie on her design course!
It looks very impressive.

[Glutton4...]

Design looks fab to me - but I know nothing

When planning my veg garden this year I made sure the distance between the beds was wider than the distance from my toe to my knee when kneeling- I always kneel down to weed, and in my Parents' garden (that I used this year) the beds were too close, so I had to kneel side-on to the beds, which means stiff neck/back/shoulders (Chiro costs me enough as it is!). So I didn't spend as much time weeding as I should.

Good luck with it all

[Pies]

you need a gap between the beds which allows you to kneel down facing a bed so when you bend over your back is not twisted.Im 5ft9 and need a gap of 0.6m

[Madhouseof5]

Thanks for the advice about the gap between the beds. I'm a measly 5ft1, the MIL (who is helping with a few beds) is only marginally taller than me and hubby is only 5ft7. I will certainly make sure I can kneel facing the bed, last thing I want is a bad neck or back! Mind you, I could put the 8yr old to work........