No Dig Beds -

[broadway]

Hi Folks

So this year I will be planting veg for the first time in the claypit allotment acquired last year. I'm going no dig with cardboard spent compost / soil then a top layer of MPC. Should I plant everything through the cardboard ie use a bulb planter?

[Logunner]

Hi Folks

So this year I will be planting veg for the first time in the claypit allotment acquired last year. I'm going no dig with cardboard spent compost / soil then a top layer of MPC. Should I plant everything through the cardboard ie use a bulb planter?

That would depend on the depth of what is covering the Cardboard

[broadway]

That would depend on the depth of what is covering the Cardboard

Fair point LG

The first beds will be using my years old linkbord kit so the depth will be 15cm

[Logunner]

Fair point LG

The first beds will be using my years old linkbord kit so the depth will be 15cm

In that case I would use a large dibber (i use an old spade handle) to punch a hole in the cardboard.

[broadway]

Thanks will do

[Starch]

I use a cordless drill with a 40mm hole cutter if the cardboard is dry then a dibber, I have a flashy one with the end cased in metal.

[rary]

If you are putting down cardboard I would suggest that if possible, you soak each layer before covering it with either another layer or compost or weed free soil and the more layers you have the better

[broadway]

If you are putting down cardboard I would suggest that if possible, you soak each layer before covering it with either another layer or compost or weed free soil and the more layers you have the better

Thanks Rary

Was planning on soaking cardboard although I think it is already!

Was you suggesting cardboard then soil/MPC, then another layer of cardboard before more soil/MPC?

[rary]

Sorry broadway should have been a bit clearer, I was referring to layers of cardboard, that's why I said soak each layer, also if you don't have enough cardboard newspapers can be used as well

[broadway]

Sorry broadway should have been a bit clearer, I was referring to layers of cardboard, that's why I said soak each layer, also if you don't have enough cardboard newspapers can be used as well

Cheers fella

[Logunner]

Sorry broadway should have been a bit clearer, I was referring to layers of cardboard, that's why I said soak each layer, also if you don't have enough cardboard newspapers can be used as well

Newspapers..... ahh the only useful contribution The Sun newspaper has ever made, love shovelling mounds of manure on that trash.

[SarrissUK]

I can get out local allotment counciller to deliver some manure - handily he works on a farm! - but I thought that it wasnt ideal to plant straight into it? I have looked at getting some compost but it soon adds up in price..!!

If it's well rotted, at least a year or two old, then you can absolutely plant straight into it. Most of the manure I had last year was at least a year old and regularly turned and it was beautiful to plant into, and things grew very well.

Some manure I got was NOT old enough because the daft horse woman kept piling the new stuff on top of the old, so I got a bit of a mix. Stuff didn't grow as well in that, so that's a lesson learnt, for sure.

I am contemplating having some compost delivered by the tonne bag, maybe two or three of them, as I'm absolutely sure I don't need any more fertiliser on the plots for this year

[rary]

One thing to remember about fresh manure is that it can be placed on the ground between the plants, just make sure its not touching the plants

[rary]

Newspapers..... ahh the only useful contribution The Sun newspaper has ever made, love shovelling mounds of manure on that trash.

I am quite surprised at that quote, I always thought that there was enough - - - - - manure in it without having to add more

[nrmartin8798]

If it's well rotted, at least a year or two old, then you can absolutely plant straight into it. Most of the manure I had last year was at least a year old and regularly turned and it was beautiful to plant into, and things grew very well.

Some manure I got was NOT old enough because the daft horse woman kept piling the new stuff on top of the old, so I got a bit of a mix. Stuff didn't grow as well in that, so that's a lesson learnt, for sure.

I am contemplating having some compost delivered by the tonne bag, maybe two or three of them, as I'm absolutely sure I don't need any more fertiliser on the plots for this year

Thanks for that - that's really useful