Hoping to start next year - what would you do to prepare?

[HoofyLoo]

I'm about to start clearing the ground for a vegetable patch for use next year.

What would you recommend doing for the next few months to prepare.

I'd like to grow the following in the patch:
Peas, broccoli and brussel sprouts

In pots I'm thinking:
potatoes, tomatoes and lettuce

I need to lift the lawn first to make room for my patch.

Do you reckon digging it over and covering it to ensure no weeds? What about getting some fertiliser in? How do I know if my soil is good stuff or not?

[dim]

why wait? ..... turn the soil, and start planting now .... start small and build from there .....

don't use seed for now, go to your garden centre and buy plants

[HoofyLoo]

Isn't it too late to start growing though? I didn't think there was enough time to plant, grow and harvest...

[rustylady]

You can still sow seeds of lettuce, radish, early carrots, possibly beetroot.

Overwintering onion sets, shallots and garlic will soon be in the shops.

As to your soil, if it will grow grass then it will grow vegetables.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Keep your eye open for end of season bargains, should save you some money next year.

Potty

[kathycam]

Hi, just to answer the question- assuming you can't start growing. I'm about to be very lucky and move to a house with a large garden. As its a few weeks away, its unlikely I'd be able to grow much this year- so for me also it will be about the preparation for next year.

I'm quite lucky that the previous person is leaving a nice big well rotted compost heap (with chicken and goat manure), some straw, bricks, paving slabs and a few other bits and pieces. Also there is a place with free bags of manure outside, 5 minutes walk away. So I've a lot of potential. I also assume I'll have my stuff packed in boxes which could also be used.

I don't tend to grow in rows, so I'll have to work out where I want to put any permanent paths. I may also have to look into removing a couple of trees that will block light from the growing area. I'll then start getting it ready bit by bit.

I'll likely get rid of any perennial weeds, any roots I find. A loose dig over of the soil. Then I'll build up layers of cardboard, compost, straw, manure to make beds. I'll cover them with cardboard to try and stop any weeds. I may also shred newspapers and add them in to help retain water.

I'm thinking of growing fruit trees where the old compost heap was, so I'll build a new one. I'll also have to look into sorting the shed and finding ways to store things. I may add a pond to help with slug patrol.

I think I'm too late- but you may have time to sow some green manures in any land you're not growing in yet, it will help improve the soil structure.

[Veggielot]

Work out what you want to grow and work on a design for your plot. I would then prepare your beds you may have to weed them but if you cover them, cardboard is good, you shouldn't have to much of a problem. You could leave it till spring but you you will be amazed at how time flies in spring so the more you can get done now the better.

You could plant something now if you can get your beds ready, there are lots of veg you can grow over the winter and it is good to see something growing.

One thing I would suggest starting asap if you have room is at least one compost bin you wont get any you can use until next year but the sooner you start the sooner you can use it.