Advice please on preparing my beds for their 1st crop next year.

[ritchie111]

Hi
I am preparing my beds for their very 1st crop out of my allotment next year. I have 10 ton of top soil waiting to go into the beds.
I have put manure in the bottom of some of the beds for potatoes, leaks, onions and peas, is that correct? I am not 100% on what other veg i will be growing next year, so i'm looking for some advice on preparation for my beds so they are ready to be planted next year? will i need manure in all of the beds? what feed should i put in to new soil ect? any advice would be appreciated please.

[andy_j]

Im fairly new to this too so this is what ive gleaned so far.

Pretty much all crops require deep, rich, organic soil which drains well yet retains moisture. Well rotted manure and organic matter is pretty essential for the well being of next years crops.

This is with the exception of carrots and parsnips which shouldn't have manure on so decide where they're going to go.

Ive dug my allotment over and i'll be leaving it rough for the winter to get into it....not that it needs it really as my soil is light and loamy.

Whilst most veg like just normal soil, brassicas need very firm soil so get it dug a month before planting then walk over it (when dry) several times before planting. Brassicas also need an alkaline soil so add lime before planting. If your soil is acidic, you will need to add lime anyway to increase the pH of your soil.

Again, a few weeks before planting, rake in a general purpose fertilizer at the required rate, growmore is ideal. Also think about planting some green manure....plants which will grow in the winter and enrich your soil, you dig or rotorvate them in during spring.

Im sure people will add to this or correct me if im wrong, think it might be better to think about what you want to grow first. Ive also bought the Dr Hessayon book....the veg and herb expert which ive found invaluable.

Good luck

[ritchie111]

Thank you very much Andy for taking to time to reply. Your advice is appreciated very much
My soil is a little clayier than it should be so i need to do something bout that i guess, I am going to have to look more into the green manure thing, at a quick glance there is quiet a few too look at. Do you know off any good all round green manures?

[andy_j]

clay soil can be lovely and rich and full of nutrients if it's added to. As much organic matter as poss....serious dig in the autumn to let the weather get at it

[Lazy Gardener]

I want a little mini plough, So i can turn the soil over when its frosty and try to get the weed roots to the surface for a good freezing.

[ritchie111]

Thanks Everyone

[ritchie111]

1 more quick question
If i cover with manure will i have to cover with black plastic aswell?

[rustylady]

1 more quick question
If i cover with manure will i have to cover with black plastic aswell?

No. Black plastic isn't really a good idea - it encourages slugs and snails to hide under it.

[ritchie111]

Thanks Rusty

[roitelet]

Phacalie is a good all round green manure. Grows quickly, easy to chop down and if a few stray plants are allowed to flower the bees love them.

Thank you very much Andy for taking to time to reply. Your advice is appreciated very much
My soil is a little clayier than it should be so i need to do something bout that i guess, I am going to have to look more into the green manure thing, at a quick glance there is quiet a few too look at. Do you know off any good all round green manures?