[DebbieP84]

I am nearing completion of the clearance of my new plot. Does anyone have any tips or advice on the layout of my plot?
Eventually I would like to make raised beds, but need to put together an overall plan to work to or I can see it becoming an impractical use of space.
Large or small beds? What shape? Running from East to West, North to South? Are raised beds even needed?
Any tips would be most appreciated!
Thanks

[Stripey_cat]

Don't make the beds (raised or normal) wider than you can reach into the middle of!  The previous owner of my parents house built a big raised bed about 2m wide, and you have to climb into it to get at the stuff in the centre.

I'd go for north-to-south orientation: that way the beds won't shade each other too much.

If your soil is good, you won't need raised beds, but you may find them easier to work if you have trouble bending or squatting.  If your soil is very heavy, raised beds with lighter soil will let you grow things like carrots that like well-drained, rich soil.

[compostqueen]

my beds are 4 foot wide so I can reach em from either side. Saves walking on em.  I have a mixture of raised, not raised, Link a bord, builders rubble sacks, a round bed, cos mine's evolved rather than being started from a blank page.

Impractical possibly but I'm not very organised  :oops:

[DebbieP84]

Luckily at a mere 23 I have no trouble bending/squatting etc., but I do have a very heavy clay soil, which I would like to grow carrots/parsnips etc in so I think I will have to go for a few raised beds at least! And it will keep the fiance out of trouble building them!

Unlike compostqueen I have a desire to be very well organised and therefore am busy constructing a 'plan'! However I think character is achieved through disorgnasiation so I may leave an area blank for future inpiration!

[compostqueen]

Yeah leave a bit to chance