Basic Question

[Aaron T]

Hi,

Looking at some of the pictures on here and being a bit nosey at some local allotments some plants are planted at the top of a peak with a peak and trough style layout to the soil, I just wondered why that was. I have 3 raised beds but have planted my veg flat to the soil and wondered if I have made an error?

Thank you.

[shirlthegirl43]

Hi and welcome to the vine.

I suspect the plants you are seeing growing like that are potatoes. It is traditional to 'earth up' the plants creating the peak and trough effect in order to keep the potato tubers well covered and stop them turning green.

[Bigmallly]

Some also plant on ridges so the water can run off & get to the roots where it wants to be rather than sitting on the top of the soil & doing nothing except rotting your veg.

[Aaron T]

Thanks, I have them on raised beds so I hope the drainage is ok. The base soil is clay and really claggy but have filled them with top soil and compost. I'll see how the veg goes and maybe look to ridge them next go.