Straight lines or blocks

[MarkHackwell]

I have just been watching the Big Allotment Challenge and also been thinking. I usually plant and sow in long straight lines, but they appear to have gone with the approach of planting in blocks. Does anyone still plant in straight lines or do you now plant in blocks and also what are the advantages/disadvantages of both? Got me wondering if I should plan my allotment differently this year :S

[Greenleaves]

I use a combination, really depends on space available and crop. My plot is divided into beds so I guess even my straight lines are blocks. I used to be a stickler for everything being in lines but over time I have become far less fussy

[Bigmallly]

I prefer blocks as the crops are within arms reach, I'm a lazy bagger really..............

[Guest]

I like a little of lots and blocks work well for that.

[lottie dolly]

ahaaaaaaaaa,by using the straight line method,i find it easier to straddle/walk along the row and pull out the longer weeds,the bit in between rows is easier to keep hoeing down,block planting is ideal for brasicas,like keep your varieties separate,what works for 1 person in a different area,may not work for others,it all boils down to what is best for you and the space available,

[noviceveggrower]

I use straight ish lines. I find it easier to plant out and weed that way. Also gives me paths that I can try and get the kids to stick to. Blocks when first planted up are just asking to be walked on or fallen on.

[Nicos]

I use both too.
Never one line of anything though.

[Lumpy]

We only got your first lottie a couple of weeks ago and in its former life it was a small stately homes kitchen garden. The family requested a planting plan - which I did, curtesy of DT Browns 30 day free trial (I would recommend it - but I won't pay for it) which showed that I wanted to make the beds more interesting by doing blocks and triangles.
I was told that they would prefer something in keeping with the character of the victorian kitchen garden so lines it is.
I must admit though it was alot easier to work out and it will allow space to weed etc.
I compromised by intending to plant borage as part of the runner bean rows, lemom q's aroung tyres with bush squash and interlaced purple french beans and sweet peas up the cage fencing etc.

[Thelma Sanders]

If it's something that will need to be covered with netting, then it's always in blocks.

Other then that, I tend to use lines in the bigger beds.

[Kristen]

I have raised beds, so they lend themselves to blocks.

I raise plants, and plant out, rather than sow in-situ, so I raise the number of plants we need successionally - Cauli's don't stand long once mature, so a row would go to waste, for us, hence I start 4 off each fortnight, which is about what we eat in a fortnight. They get planted "patchwork", although I do start planting from both ends of the bed, working towards the middle, to give me more chance of grouping like-things at one end of the bed, or the other.

[TrysHard]

I read a RHS article which subscribed to blocks for a more productive garden similar to Sq Ft but less compact I goggled but I cannot find it again.

I am trying blocks this year sort of Sq Ft but more nearly Sq 18 inches as it fits best.

My beds are 3 x 6 or 4 x 6 in UK sizes

[TrysHard]

We only got your first lottie a couple of weeks ago and in its former life it was a small stately homes kitchen garden. The family requested a planting plan - which I did, curtesy of DT Browns 30 day free trial (I would recommend it - but I won't pay for it) which showed that I wanted to make the beds more interesting by doing blocks and triangles.
I was told that they would prefer something in keeping with the character of the victorian kitchen garden so lines it is.
I must admit though it was alot easier to work out and it will allow space to weed etc.
I compromised by intending to plant borage as part of the runner bean rows, lemom q's aroung tyres with bush squash and interlaced purple french beans and sweet peas up the cage fencing etc.

Have a look here for some inspiration (Link Below) I would have thought some folks doing blocks some rows would end up giving a more kitchen garden feel. I just go with untidy but fun.

Lissadell House and Gardens Sligo

[Bren In Pots]

I only grow my runner beans in rows everything else is in blocks. try both ways and see what you suits you best.

[Penellype]

Blocks when I am not using pots. I don't really have space for many rows, the exception being peas which aren't too good for picking in blocks.