RAISED BEDS OR GARDEN SOIL?
Growing food in raised beds has become popular but there’s no reason why veg has to grow above ground level. If you look after your garden soil, it can be just as fertile and productive. Before you plant, you’ll need to dig it over, remove weeds and large stones, and add some garden compost or well-rotted manure to boost its fertility.
WHERE TO MAKE YOUR VEG PATCH
Try to position your raised bed or garden veg patch in a sheltered, sunny spot, as most crops – especially those that produce sweet fruit – need at least five good hours of sun a day to ripen properly. Leafy crops, tart fruits and salads will be OK in partial shade.
MAKE WATERING EASIER
Site your veg patch near a water butt or garden tap for easy access. A seep hose is useful. This is a leaky hosepipe that you lay on or slightly below the soil surface, through which water seeps, keeping the earth moist. It’s not expensive and can be attached to a tap or water butt.
KEEPING IT FED
Compost is invaluable, so try to find room for a compost bin. Throw in kitchen scraps, prunings and lawn mowings and you’ll be rewarded with rich, dark compost full of nutrients. A confined bin is ideal for small urban gardens as it won’t attract rats, but a loose heap in a corner of the garden will compost down just as well.