Plot plan advice please

[Finedon.Dandy]

Hi Guys

Please could someone spare a few moments to have a look at our plan for this years veg plot.




The potatos and onions are imperetive as to their position as we have had potatoes in some part of the two right hand plots for two years now and we have suffered rust on leeks in two places on the plot so hope that their position this year will prevent a recurrence.

Looking forward to your feedback

Tammy

[SarzWix]

The only thing that occurs to me is that a large part of the right hand side will have had brassicas in. Where will you put them next year?

[bobleponge]

Sorry FD I tried to look at it but couldnt read it properly. Is there any way I can make it bigger to read it?

[SarzWix]

Click the picture and it opens in another window, click it again, it opens in a bigger one, then click it again to enlarge. Eventually, after enough clicks, it becomes readable

[Two_Sheds]

You seem to have a very large space for rocket, and hardly any for French beans. This is clearly an error.

[Two_Sheds]

Leek Rust

we have suffered rust on leeks in two places on the plot so hope that their position this year will prevent a recurrence

Crowded plants, high humidity, excessive soil nitrogen and insufficient soil potassium encourage the disease. Says the RHS.
Try spacing out a bit more, and feeding with high potash (tomato food or comfrey tea)

[Two_Sheds]

I really admire your plan, it looks very smart.

I can't see any squash/pumpkins?

Lettuce doesn't need it's own space ... just squeeze it in amongst something taller (because it likes a bit of shade).

[Finedon.Dandy]

The only thing that occurs to me is that a large part of the right hand side will have had brassicas in. Where will you put them next year?

We are trying to roughly stick to a 3 bed rotation albeit it is a little awkward due to the odd sized plots but I figured next year the brassicas would go into the potato bed? The runner beans will now be in a permanent position (as they shade the plot if they are put anywhere else) - my Dad does this and never has any problems.

You seem to have a very large space for rocket, and hardly any for French beans. This is clearly an error.

Yes - I should have put them in front of the runner beans - spinach will be moved to somewhen after the spuds. Mind you after the dismal failiure of last years plants that didnt come to anything maybe its a good thing not to give them any ground space!

Crowded plants, high humidity, excessive soil nitrogen and insufficient soil potassium encourage the disease. Says the RHS.
Try spacing out a bit more, and feeding with high potash (tomato food or comfrey tea)

I never knew that about the tomato food - will be trying that - thanks TS!

I really admire your plan, it looks very smart.

I can't see any squash/pumpkins?

Lettuce doesn't need it's own space ... just squeeze it in amongst something taller (because it likes a bit of shade).

I was demoralised with my smart plan last year as I never stuck with it - I was advised on here (and will try to stick with) not to worry. I will def do that with the lettuce - will encourae me to do successional sowings then if I just sow some when I have a gap I guess. What could I sow in its place? I guess I could sow some butternut? - another crop I have become fed up with due to its awful failiures!




Thanks for all spending so much time to help - it is really appreciated.

[zazen999]

Hiya - I'd stick beans in - where ever you can! Both french and shelly, which store really well and fill the winter with lovely hearty soups and stews.

Lettuces - always start a few off in modules every few weeks, and pop them in where you have a gap.

I can send a bean selection if you need any...

[Finedon.Dandy]

Andrea

Bashfull Bill (his new vine nickname - do you like it?) loves baked beans but both him and and Bluebelle dont seem to like any other pulses - mind you I have never bean(sorry for the pun!) all that keen either. Choirboy on the other hand eats anything and everything - I am only growing the broad beans for him! If you have A bean you think the kids would eat then I would love to try a couple of plants - thanks.

[Two_Sheds]

Tammy, the secret is to not tell them beans are in there! On their own, served plain, they is fairly horrible, but make a stew/soup, and shove in a handful of beans. Liquidise if necessary to further hide the evidence

[zazen999]

I totally agree, we use them in chillis, soups, stews and the fabulous tomato and bean soup that Two-sheds posted last week. In fact, we've had it on friday and are having it again tonight.

[Finedon.Dandy]

I am getting better at hiding stuff - Bashfull Bill enjoys soups so I will try harder! promise!