[Little Dibber]

Hi there,

I am in the process of clearing a border of weeds, nettles docs and willowherb so I am assuming acidic soil and know that it is Heavy Clay.

The border runs East West with the prevailing wind blowing from the West to the East.



I am wondering what, if any, is the best end to Plant my Globe artichoke and Comfrey (Bocking 14) and if it makes a difference for casting a shadow, as both ends would cast a shadow at either end of the day.


I am thinking to have compost bins at top end, furthest west and furthest away from the neighbours noses, attract flies and complaints and have comfrey at the very bottom of the plot were it wont be disturbed/in the way and then the globe artichokes just a little up from them.

Would that be fine or any mistakes to avoid, years of experience to add?

Thanks

[compostqueen]

I would grow the comfrey along side the compo bins. Comfrey is a natural compost activator and it's handy to grow it by the bins as then it's a simple job to pull off leaves and add to the bins. The Bockings are well behaved comfreys so will not take over.  They don't mind a bit of shade or poor soil. Mine are grown right under a great privet hedge and grow just fine  

[flowerlady]

At the windy end try a tall plant that can be used as a wind break which has to be a benefit  ... I'm told that Jerusalem 'chokes grow brilliantly tall !! Then as they throw shadow use the space for lettuces and salads that quite like dappled shade  

Agree with CQ about the comfry ... by the bins ... they have deep searching roots that also grab the goodies (that soak deep down from the bins) that other plants can not reach so they are a double benefit!