Starting out

[CatrinParticipant]

Hi,
I have been reading your Starting out no dig page and Im am keen to start out this week. I have grown veg in the patch for last 2 years but I believe I will have to follow option 1 as there is much couch grass on the patch and in the garden in general. Following your advice I believe also it would be better for me to build wooden sides as grass will be coming up to the bed and from experience I will need a barrier. My question is at what point is it best to build the frame/wooden sides if following option 1? Also at what point if I start now can I plant potatoes?
Many thanks for your help
Catrin

[charlesModerator]

Catrin I would not put any wooden sides: they would make it hard to exclude light 100% which is a necessity.
Simply cover with compost and polythene then plant potatoes through slits in the polythene all in the same day if you want.
Cover with poly a around the edges too to make a clean edge to your plot.

[CatrinParticipant]

Many thanks for your help and advice. I made a good start this weekend! When the potatoes are ready to harvest – do I lift polythene, harvest as normal and then return polythene if needed?
Thanks
Catrin

[charlesModerator]

Yes you can replace the polythene if there are still many perennial weeds. Maybe plant broccoli through the same holes.
If clear of weeds, remove it and continue as normal.

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