[Growster...]

When we used to cultivate 'Plot Growster' in the eighties, we watched how everyone else did their work, and copied the styles and methods - even asking lots of questions as well.

One system was generally evident, which I still use at the moment, and that is to dig a deep 'kerb' or 'trench' at the perimeter, and gently camber the topsoil to a high point in the middle of the entire plot.

It helps drainage, and also the edges can be trimmed of invading couch from the paths. I find the plot usually looks tidy, and easy to maintain.

But this flies in the face of raised beds, although the principle is not dissimilar!

Although now, I'm looking at ways where other members have described having  individual blocks of topsoil - say 4' x 6', and I think it may well work with me. I've always been anti-paths to date, but will still learn from chums here, and if we get the new plot, then I'm probably going to give it a whirl!

They won't be raised beds, as it'll take too much cash to buy the timber, but I reckon a mini-cambered area - say - 4' wide by 14' long, with a mown strip at the edges is a leading option at the moment...

And all this thinking has come from reading posts by everyone here so thank you - the long sleepless nights just fly by...!

[sunshineband]

I think what you are describing used to be called 'lazy beds' 

[Growster...]

I've never heard that term KC!

I know the old boys near me used to rake their plots all day to get a smooth curve towards the centre, and they were professionals in a couple of cases!

[mumofstig]

can't remember the temperature differences......... but on the south facing slope it gives you a 'warmer place' for early sowings

[Growster...]

Now I'd forgotten that MOS!

Of course, you're right, and someone told me that ages ago as well, but it had completely slipped the memory!

We actually slope west down to east, but I'm trying to level the whole plot a little, mainly to make it all easier to work.

[sunshineband]

I've never heard that term KC!

I know the old boys near me used to rake their plots all day to get a smooth curve towards the centre, and they were professionals in a couple of cases!

Like this:

http://workwithnaturegardening.wordpress.com/about/dont-dig-mulch/lazy-beds/
 
This is how all the old guys used to do theirs round here -- is this the kind of thing you are aiming for?

[Growster...]

It's on similar lines KC!

There is a huge amount of couch there unfortunately - the plot's covered with it - and that just can't be left to hang about in the soil. I missed lots of the stuff when we first dug 'Plot Growster', but at least the sporadic growth is easy to spot now, and much weakened!

I don't mind the digging and the couch extraction, it's really the fact that there are only two of us now, and I like the idea of a more spacious plot, where I can grow the fruit bushes etc. in correct spacing, as well as the brassicas etc, where I've had to go for the minimum spacing this year.

It's no use Roundupping couch, because even when it's been killed off, the wiry roots are still a pain, and best got rid of asap!

Thanks for the link though, there's a lot of good sense there!

[sunshineband]

There are only two of us to feed now too (well, at least there are only two of us living in the house  ) so have gone for raised beds and woodchip paths, with a long fruit bed down one side 2m wide. Part constructed fruit cage on it so far 

Seems to work OK - two lots of for beds for a 4 yr rotation, one of five, for a 5 yr (has squahes and corn as well), plus a blueberry bed and an asparagus bed.

Large (1m tall) cloches X2 plus a 2m by 3m polytunnel and it is managable without a strain. (Plus a couple of random flower beds fitted in  )