New way of constructing veggie beds, more efficient watering, increased yields !

[no_akira]

It was only a small area...

I like interacting with people...

Its an idea that I believe may have commercial applications...

You never know who is going to turn up at a trade show...

Its an idea that needs to be demo and explained... especially the 'wicking part'

[Alison]

It was only a small area...

I like interacting with people...

Its an idea that I believe may have commercial applications...

You never know who is going to turn up at a trade show...

Its an idea that needs to be demo and explained... especially the 'wicking part'

I like interacting with people too but I wouldn't pay for a stand at a show to enable me to do it

[Bigmallly]

I like interacting with people too but I wouldn't pay for a stand at a show to enable me to do it

Me neither especially as all the instructions are well documented so you would not sell many as folk would make their own.

[Greenleaves]

I applaud you for trying to break into the commercial market but I struggle to see how this will appeal to the mass market. How do you sell an idea? You don't have a product that is commercially viable. In the beginning you said it increased crops, have you paid to have this verified? Most ideas just remain ideas

[no_akira]

I like interacting with people too but I wouldn't pay for a stand at a show to enable me to do it

(Alison)

Oooh cheeky...

As amazing as it sounds there are a lot of gardeners / veggie growers who do not own a computer or ever visit a forum site.

Also often forum posts can get 'mugged' by strong personalities and it puts people off posting those silly question that are just holding back there understanding of a new concept.

For the sector of people that I am aiming at, the only real way of getting to them is at a show / fete / allotment open day, basically one-on-one conversation.

Everybody who showed an interest in a productive way to use pallets was always very positive.

Its because of this that I will continue to demo the idea wherever possible during this summer.

[veggiechicken]

(
Also often forum posts can get 'mugged' by strong personalities and it puts people off posting those silly question that are just holding back there understanding of a new concept.

Here's a silly question for you ............ why do you need to remove the pallets at the end of the season? Why can't they be left in situ?

If you remove them, I assume the soil will collapse in to fill the void and you'll have to dig them out again in spring, and refill with stones.
It seems more hard work than a conventional bed. I'd need some evidence that the effort was worthwhile before trying your idea.

Can you convince me?

[no_akira]

I've altered the design from when this thread was posted in July last year. Crucially I have added a recycled plastic plank that is attached using cable ties and spacers to the bottom of the box section. There is now a 5mm slot that runs along the bottom of the box on both sides.

The reason for the plastic plank deflector is that as water is poured through the stones in the pallet void it goes straight out through these slots. It is directed deep into the base of either soil bank just below around or below your plants roots. You only need a couple of litres per pallet divider, per week.

The plastic plank also retains the stones allowing the whole divider to be pulled up via the rope handle on each corner. And be stacked some where dry over the winter.

The stones are only there because 'A' its a place to put those large stones picked out of your soil and 'B' it adds a bit of weight to the divider, making it a bit more rigid.

I'm also sure as people begin to use this method they will come up with ideas I haven't even thought about...

[veggiechicken]

I still don't understand why you have to remove the pallet overwinter and dig it back in the following year?

[no_akira]

OK its because the pallet would rot in the sodden wet winter soil. The dividers would only last 2 years tops.

Where as if you remove them and stack somewhere dry they should last for quite a few years.

They should slot straight back into their positions.

Remember these pallets are a standard 1.2m in length and I now only have a support strut at each end.

[veggiechicken]

Did you remove them overwinter?

Did the trenches fill themselves in when it rained? Especially as the soil has been mounded up against the pallet.

If you intend replacing the pallets in the spring, you wouldn't be able to use that ground for winter crops.
Everyone here knows I like to experiment, and I'm really trying to understand the merits of this concept but so far, all I can see is a lot of work

[no_akira]

In the long run (especially if you get them already built) they will save time and effort for various reasons...

+ These beds are quicker to create as the soil is heaped against the divider and then just left for gravity and the weather to break the soil down.

+ Less water being carried between site water taps and your growing beds.

+ Soil takes longer to compact as it is leaning against the divider. Stays fluffy for longer.

+ easier to apply feed through pallet

+ Better access to bed for weeding, as soil bank is angled towards you.

+ More successful planting, higher yields, less demoralising.

see Various example designs for the new year

I'm still working on the website as we speak

[Alison]

I've altered the design from when this thread was posted in July last year. Crucially I have added a recycled plastic plank that is attached using cable ties and spacers to the bottom of the box section. There is now a 5mm slot that runs along the bottom of the box on both sides.

So is your business plan to sell the plastic planks to the public?

[veggiechicken]

I thought the aim was to recycle pallets - not buy them ready built?

Anyway, I remain unconvinced - so I'm out!!
Good luck to you.

[Guest]

I have skipped over this thread in the past, but I am intrigued. Not a method I would use for the same reason as others it seems a lot of faff. I do have questions though....

You say you had more crops but how did you grow crops previously to this system?
How do you feed your crops if at all?
Do you fill the pallets to the top with stones? If not, do you notice a difference in your growing season as you are creating an air pocket which I would have thought has an effect on soil temp.?
What actually gave you this idea?

[no_akira]

So is your business plan to sell the plastic planks to the public?

(Alison)

I think your starting to get it Alison...

"Give a man a fishing rod.." and all that...

Yes I could possibly sell the pre drilled plastic planks, especially as they would last longer than the pallets or at least could be reused.

The way I am thinking is that I would sell complete dividers but would include delivery to you allotment. Unfortunately it would only really be allotments located nearish to the M25 to start with.