[LivvyW]

Some are in use over winter (onions, leeks, garlic, brussels, PSB)

I have covered the ones that will be empty with garden compost. Should i cover them with something else or just leave them?

Thanks in advance.

[Ice]

You could cover them, you could let the weeds grow and nuke them with glyphosate or you could grow a green manure.  But more knowledgable folks will be along to help I'm sure.

ps.  I'm not sure if I already said this but my dad was from Kiltegan.

[peapod]

Ive covered my unused beds with huge bags that OH has building materials stored in..a bit like the council paper recycling bags if you know what I mean...stops them pesky weeds hopefully.
Others use weed suppressant (sp?) fabric,but my budget cant stretch that yet

Paula

[waddecar]

I use black polythene on mine prevents weeds, prevents leaching of nutrients and stops compaction from winter rains

[woodburner]

My garden compost last year was full of weed seeds and didn't get 'cooked' enough to kil them, so unless you are sure of yours not sprouting a forest of nettles and grass, I suggest covering with something else as well or sowing green manure.

[noshed]

They will be fine - you can give them a good hoeing if you spot anything sprouting.

[SnooziSuzi]

I recently built a new raised bed, covered it in chicken poo and horse poo (overkill :? ) and then covered the whole lot with weed suppressant stuff that I bought for £2 from poundstretchers.  It's 15 feet long and 8 feet wide but you can usually only get it in summer when they have their gardening stuff.

Other than that I'd echo what others have said and basically just use anything you can get your hands on to block out the light so that if anything does germinate it won't be able to survive or at least will be weak and spindly and unable to establish properly  

[birmancats]

I just cover mine with flattened cardboard boxes and empty 2 litre milk containers filled with sand to weight them down work really well.  It really makes a difference when you uncover them.  Weed free and much lighter to dig!

[Oscar Too]

You could cover them, you could let the weeds grow and nuke them with glyphosate or you could grow a green manure.  But more knowledgable folks will be along to help I'm sure.

ps.  I'm not sure if I already said this but my dad was from Kiltegan.[/quote]

And I used to live in Baltinglass.  

Good advice, btw.  Black plastic will keep weeds down, keep the bed slightly warm, and can be used again.  You can get damaged silage rolls from any coop or dairy.

[fallen angel]

I managed to get some tarpauling sheets for 6.99 each and I am going to use those they came with some pegs so I can even peg them down aswell as putting old wood on top to weigh it down.

Nicky xxx