[mkhenry]

Time I think for a little tip for the newbys amongst us.

If you want to improve your chance of an abundant crop this coming season, there is one thing you can do to improve your chances, and improve your soil.

Nothing...............That is leave it alone........Don't walk on it unless you really really have to.
If you do you will compact the surface and possibly even 6 or more inches below.  That could harm all aspects of your growing cycle.  You can do more damage to the future health of your plants by robbing them of light/drainage,and creating a tough soil for certain delicate roots to try to break through etc etc.

I once had a chap complain to me that even though he planted the seeds in the same soil on the same day in exactly the same way,  some just failed to grow or were stunted.

I pointed out to him that the damaged plants were all staggered.  Think about walking over the plot.  Left foot , right foot, left foot etc.  You could follow the pattern through the plants.

So keep off if you can.  Come harvest time you will be glad you did.  

[Aunt Sally]

I always use walking boards to spread the weight.

[mkhenry]

I always use walking boards to spread the weight.

Thats because you know the problems compaction can cause.  
Some people never give it a thought until the damage is done. :roll:

[peapod]

I dont walk on my beds either, I learnt at college what a disaster for the soil it can be

[DD.]

I get told off when I walk on our beds.

But I can't reach the clutter on top of the wardrobes if I don't.

[alfman]

The term "raised beds" comes to mind. (As long as DD doesn't turn over and fall out. Ouch!) :cry:

[mkhenry]

I get told off when I walk on our beds.

But I can't reach the clutter on top of the wardrobes if I don't.

   

[peapod]

ahhh raised beds..this is getting quite a confusing issue to me...are raised beds well errrr raised? As some classify raised beds as beds that are just surrounded by wood to make a set area

hmmmm......

[des]

This is one of the biggest advantages of raised beds, keeps the soil from being walked on and compacted.

[Elcie]

This is one of the biggest advantages of raised beds, keeps the soil from being walked on and compacted.

Yes, just what I was thinking.  Was also very proud that I live in the same town as someone as knowledgeable as Henry  

I just wish that me walking on my paths and compacting the soil would stop the grass growing through the bark chippings!!

[wighty]

Oh MkHenry, how lovely to see you back.  I hope that all is now well with you.  Have missed the 'Grandad' of the site (so many people are now going to be wondering what I'm on about.