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Hi,
I am about to embark on my own cut flower business. I have a patch that is 28mx5m and want to put 3 long beds in that section each 1m wide (I have to have it rabbit fenced). Unfortunately I only have between 10-15cm of soil and then hit extremely dense and compacted rubble from previous building works. So the question is do I need to have more than 6 inch deep no dig bed (comprising of 50/50 topsoil with mushroom compost on top) or do I need a deeper bed? The cost of making wooden raised beds for the area is expensive so I was hoping that I could do a raised bed with no sides (how high can I feasibly go without sides?). Many thanks in anticipation, Sara.Most commercial gardens use 800mm beds, so that they may service them without walking upon them. My calculations suggest that you might be able to utilise more of the enclosed area for growing if you do not rigidly edge the plots. Charles details the advantages of ‘ ridged’ beds, being less slug friendly and safer -no edge to trip over or fall upon.
By utilising woodchip, you could get 3 x600mm ‘allweather paths’ between 4 beds @800mm, giving extra growing area, and easier access to your crop. Maintenance of such paths is minimal, simply occasional rakeback if birds chuck the chips or compost around.
Depth of beds will increase year on year as you ‘make’ soil, varieties could be arranged to suit their preference as your ‘ridged’ beds could be within 4-8″ initially. The underlying hardcore should not cause any isssues so long as it drains.
Hope that this is helpful, I would be interested in updates as you progress and to learn of the varieties and your marketing plans.
Best regards
Cleansweep
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