Small Raised Bed Rotation

[snail]

I have a small town garden and greenhouse. I want to make the most of the small raised bed space that I have and would like any advice on what would be the best crops to rotate to make use of the space year round. I also use containers. All suggestions will be gratefully received. Also, does anyone know of a really good book based on small space urban vegetable growing. Looking forward to some useful tips. Many thanks

[Earthbabe]

If you've got limited space it's a good idea to stick to "high Value" crops or things you eat lots of. Some things are pricey even when in season. Also consider trying unusual varieties of things like toms. Think about when you want to pick things. I didn't used to like runner beans but we pick them very young and eat them whole. Delicious.

Look at training things upwards to save space. There is now a "climbing" courgette.

[Alison]

A climbing courgette? Not heard of that one (and mustn't buy any more seeds!) do you train it like you can a squash?

[Earthbabe]

I believe so. I've got 15 seeds in my pack if you pm me your addy I'll send you a couple.

[Poledragon]

Square Foot Gardening, and the 'upward' version Cubed Foot Gardening are both good books for getting lots out of small spaces.

[Sue]

Snail
As Poledragon says, Me Bartholemew's Square Foot Gardening is worth a look. There you will see that cucumbers, squash, courgettes can be grown up a trellis or structure to save ground space so you can fit more in so you shouldn't have to buy more seed.
Sue

[JennieAtkinson]

I was going to say also think "high". I ran out of space in the polytunnel last year and planted quite a bit in hanging baskets. It was quite successful, and looked quite pretty. Tumbling Tom tomatoes and nasturtiums particularly.

[Jan]

My friend lives in a town house and plants all her 'climbing things' in window boxes. Instead of climbing up, they hang down. She swears by it as she says that it makes them fruit more generously , it allows her to grow thing she wouldn't otherwise be able to do, and it makes picking a whole lot easier.

[Alison]

I believe so. I've got 15 seeds in my pack if you pm me your addy I'll send you a couple.

Thanks Earthbabe - fingers crossed that they'll look and taste great, I love courgettes and if I get a glut I loved that cake recipe that somebody posted last year

[DrBill]

Urban Eden

[bloomingbethan]

Urban Eden

just ordered on amazon

[Alison]

Urban Eden

Any idea if this book is any good?

[supersprout]

The BBC's GYOV showed planting and cropping from four 3' x 3' raised beds - might have some pointers for whatever space you can spare?

[gealbhan]

urban eden is good but, for containers I would also try the edible container garden by michael guerra.