To Tend Or Not To Tend

Glen · « **on:** March 15, 2008, 21:27 »

Right, simple as this!

I have been busting a b*****k for 5 weeks now digging my 4 allotment beds. Over this time i have been checking out the competition on the site and have noticed one bed which is not regularly dug (if ever) but always delivers a phenomenal harvest.

So this makes me think, should i be digging and weeding like i am or should i follow suit and hope to enjoy the same yield?

richyrich7 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2008, 21:38 »

Perhaps they are working on a no dig principle? is it clear of weeds ? I believe even with a no dig bed they need to be cleared of weeds before you start, and I think you need loads of manure/compost.

Glen · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2008, 21:41 »

It looks pretty clear to me, but i know he grows lots of green manure.

You should see the size of his sprouts and cail!

Yes there is surface weeds but nothing you couldn't clear in half an hour!

richyrich7 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2008, 21:43 »

Might be worth having a chat with him then find out the SP

Glen · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2008, 21:45 »

Yes i intend to.

It is weird as this is the untidiest plot on the site but one of the most productive! He must have a hidden secret!

Davenports · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2008, 21:45 »

Found this site - all about No Dig Gardening:

www.no-dig-vegetablegarden.com/build-a-garden.html

May save your back

:idea: :idea:

Glen · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2008, 21:47 »

Thats a great site but its all abour raised beds from what i have briefly read.

This chaps beds are not raised. I will try and get a couple of sneeky snaps when i am there next!

Swee'pea · « **Reply #7 on:** March 16, 2008, 09:11 »

Quote from: "Glen"

Thats a great site but its all abour raised beds from what i have briefly read.

This chaps beds are not raised. I will try and get a couple of sneeky snaps when i am there next!

I am planning on trying a technique this year to clear and grow as I go.....laying large pieces of cardboard down and covering with manure and good compost then covering securely with black plastic and planting through the plastic.....going to try potatoes this way and see how the plot looks after the growing season. Apparently it's a great way to grow and clear your site whilst opening up the soil and getting a return too....maybe this is what he is using or has used in past

gobs · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2008, 09:51 »

Quote from: "Glen"

Yes i intend to.

It is weird as this is the untidiest plot on the site but one of the most productive! He must have a hidden secret!

Man wants tidy, not nature.

No dig system can be both raised or not.

There are different ways to grow good crops. Practice and experience will be needed for success in any.

clive f · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2008, 10:25 »

when you find out glen let us know how he manages it ? might save us all alot of weeding

richyrich7 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 16, 2008, 20:56 »

There's a bloke called Michael Guerra who grew a tremendous amount of veg on his plot equivalent to 33 tones of food per hectare :shock: in 75sqm of ground all based on permaculture

Here's aLINK

gobs · « **Reply #11 on:** March 16, 2008, 21:04 »

I can easily overdo that if it's pumpkin or the like without any magic word.

I seem a big cynic, I know, but so much half info of nonsense is going around.

richyrich7 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 16, 2008, 21:19 »

Quote from: "gobs"

I can easily overdo that if it's pumpkin or the like without any magic word.

I seem a big cynic, I know, but so much half info of nonsense is going around.

Yeah me to BUT the Guerra fella I found in the gardening which !