[jimbo1878]

Hi All

I am moving into a new house in October and the Garden is way bigger than we need. I'd like to put in a patch for growing veg but I don't know how to do it as it is all grass.

I rekon I have about enough room for a patch of about 10' x 5'. Is there anything i need to do that would be different to the plot? other than taking the turf up  I'd like to get it up and running for growing as soon as possible and I am able to start working on it now even though I don't move in for a while yet.

Cheers

Jimbo

[mumofstig]

Just slice off the grass and stack to rot down, it makes lovely soil to use later

Dig the plot over, and away you go!

[jimbo1878]

When u say stack it is there a particular way or is up against the outhouse ok? As you can tell I don't have a clue.

[mumofstig]

lay a piece with grass upwards, then the next piece on top grass downwards etc as the pile grows, was the way I was taught
it doesn't matter where you stack it just somewhere you can forget about it for 18 mths to a couple of years.

[Trillium]

Also, be aware that fresh grassland could have wireworms, so you'll need to recognize them in case of future problems.

[Goosegirl]

I would lay out an area slightly bigger than what you think you need. Also, try to find something to edge it such as reclaimed boards or edging stuff so the grass doesn't encroach. Get a load of rotted manure, compost, mushroom compost etc and lay it over the area so it can rot down over winter. Dig it in in spring. Write a plan for next year as to what you want to grow and keep it simple - focus on your priorities. Most of all - don't rush it!

[sunshineband]

Also, be aware that fresh grassland could have wireworms, so you'll need to recognize them in case of future problems.

and if you do -- I can help with loads of advice as my plot was a complete wireworm squiggle when we took it on 

Don't hesitate to ask 

[jimbo1878]

What does wire worm look like? I just know I'll have loads or them haha

[Yorkie]

http://www.encyclopedia.com/RankImages.aspx?topicid=37685 for some images

[sunshineband]

What does wire worm look like? I just know I'll have loads or them haha

They can't be mistaken for anything else -- orange and between 1cm and 2.5cm in length. Looks like they have no legs are are dead tough to squash -- need two stones  or pull them in half  or collect them up and feed them to chickens 

If they are orange and have lots of legs they are good guys, not wireworms but little centipedes that eat baddies 

PS They don't bite and are not slimy