Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
I would be so sad to see this forum go. As a new gardener I found it invaluable. I may not post much but I often search the forum and find the answer without bothering the experts. It makes me feel so connected to all the other compost nerds (who else would be up at stupid o clock to discuss sickly beetroot?)!
I would really encourage you to persevere Charles you don’t realise all the good you do. I had a friend over the other day an he couldn’t believe the garden and went straight home to look you up! Another convert to no dig!
Oh and I’m really not a fan of Facebook, sorry!I just pulled my garlic due to rust. I believe you can compost leaves no problem but I think you leave them on til the bulb is dry (about 2 weeks). Only going by what I can remember from videos so hopefully someone will correct me if I’m wrong. Bulbs are a little small which is disappointing but apparently totally useable.
I have a tray of leeks ready to go in but I am guessing this might be a bad idea as too similar to garlic and will likely get infected?
I also have a tray of brassicas would this be a better option?I had to rely on bought compost this year too. I justified the cost by considering mental health benefits that my garden gives me! Much cheaper than a therapist!
I had beds that the cardboard was still fir on and planted potatoes, radish and beetroot anyhow. All seem fine. I did water them in well and I also forced the dibber down to burst through card to help roots
i kind of felt i’d rather get as much planted this year as I could and accept its a learning year and havest may be limited. Charles always says the 1st year is hardest with weeds etc anywayvery jealous of that heat!! wouldn’t worry about digging but I would definitely put down cardboard 1st even if you’re putting down a thick layer of compost. There was lots of chat on the forum a few months ago about no dig being great for reduced watering so I feel it may help with your summer season.
I have been following Charles for a year and have given up listening to all the wisdom you get from other gardeners and garden centre staff. Lots of people seem to have a great desire to make extra work and complications for your garden!
My other bit of advise is start making your compost now, you’ll never have enough!!my beetroot looks exactly the same! I’m planning on planting it deeply and keeping my fingers crossed
I’m no expert but am never afraid to offer an opinion!
I have sown all the above. Also bolthardy beetroot is apparently ok this early but no other type. my turnip is coming up also.I planted peas for shoots but Charles’ diary says peas for pods should be left til later. I also sowed herbs but think I may have to keep them indoors at this stage!Hi d I’m also in Ireland (East Wicklow) and found exactly the same. No good supply of council compost and came to the same conclusion! I plan to get some cow manure this year and compost that as the horse manure last year worked v well (eventually!) Keep all the old compost bags and use them to collect the manure next time.
I would definitely use the cardboard under the 6 inches to help weeds as it will decompose as the roots grow down maybe just a thin layer though? I found it a life saver last year.
Very jealous of your poly tunnel Im saving up for one!
chrisI’d agree with above. I used a lot of landscape fabric to try to control weeds in my first year as I didn’t know any alternatives. They fray and i’m finding bits of it every where. If you plan to leave a permanent layer under the woodchip i would suggest cardboard as it will decompose once the weeds are dead. Also i find it better generally as it excludes more light. I did plant squash through fabric which I removed after harvest and that worked well but this year I wont be buying any more
This would be a good method for carrots too I think. I am worried that my garden is full of stones and none of my compost looks like Charles’s does so I am concerned about getting the fine soil for these veg. would this set up also help against carrot fly as it is up off the ground?
Very resourceful and love the upcycling element!Hi Becky if it makes you feel any better I did exactly the same! spread horse manure on my beds before i realised it was better to let it rot 1st.
I got some great tips for managing manure (see “dodgy manure” thread) and the stuff I stacked (and have turned twice) looks like it is ready. Certainly there is no smell from it. I think if you “compost” the manure now it may well be ready for spring.
Even if it isn’t quite there you can be happily smug that you have a pile of good stuff waiting for you for next autumn.
Get the cardboard down and at least the weeds will be dying
And welcome! you’ll be surprised by how many novices there are here and also how helpful all the experts are.
Good luck!i agree making the compost is the vital part in all this. I actually think I enjoy the compost as much as i do the growing! V sad!
I’ll definitely look at gum tree but I think like you said the best way is just constant gathering of the raw materials so you have a supply of the basics.
About the Marestail. We had similar problem with bindweed and during the 1st summer we dug out buckets of the parent root but it just kept returning (maybe from the neighbours?) From what I think I learned from the videos, there is very little point in forking out the big stuff, you’ll expose lots of extra weeds to the light and also break up good soil. if time is not a problem just chop it and cover it. No doubt Charles will correct us if we’ve picked this up all wrong anyway!
Everything that I’ve tried that has come from this site is an absolute charm, I can enjoy the garden without any of the mundane, repetitive housework type jobs.thats really helpful thank you . I wsa caught out with frost this October and wondered what was the best app for local forecasts.