[Kenilworth]

Due to family circumstances we wont be doing any major growing this year and i was wondering what to do with the unused beds?

I 'm tempted to cover with black weed supressing sheets till next year, thus stopping any major weed growth.............Is this a good idea? As i'm sure i read somewhere that it isnt due to  the ground needing to breath or something?

Cheers
Kenilworth

[Plot18]

That's what I did with my 2 unused beds - filled to the top with manure then covered with the plastic weave weed suppressant, then weighed down with a couple of pallets. I'm hoping the worms get to work on it and leave me with great soil for next year!

[mumofstig]

weed suppressant fabric is ok, but plastic sheeting is the one that's not good left on for that length of time IMO.

Why don't you grow a few pumpkins through the weed fabric, then it looks as if it's all getting used 

[Kajazy]

Or sow green manure?

[Kleftiwallah]

2nd vote for a green manure.  Mustard,  Lupins,  Field beans, Crimson clover.     Stops the rain washing the goodness out of the soil and improves the structure as you dig it in.

You know it makes sense !    Cheers,   Tony.

[Kajazy]

PS - the green manure also suppresses weeds, if it's weeds you're worried about.

[Salmo]

Green manure is fine if Kenilworth will have time to dig it in. If time will still be short next Autumn/Winter the plot could be a right old mess.

Cover with sheeting. Breathable weed supressant would be best. Cheaper thick black plastic will do no harm to the soil.

I like the idea of pumpkins. No need to grow many as they will spread.

[Kenilworth]

Hi Guys

Thanks for all the wonderful advice. Will probably go for the weaved weed suppressant option as i already have that at hand and looks like a quicker option than the green manure at the present moment in time.

The green manure certainly sounds like a great option but i really dont know much more than the basics so would need to do some reading up on it, maybe something to look at in the future if needed.

Anyway thanks again
Kenilworth