New Veg Plot

[TattyB]

Hi all
I am new to this page. I just dismantled my kids' old trampoline and suddenly have a decent sized space to grow veg. It's October so do I make a start or leave it until Spring? Should I prepare the ground or build a raised bed? If I build a raised bed can I actually plant anything now? Thank you!

[Snoop Puss]

Hello and welcome, TattyB.

If you start now, you'll be easy ready in the spring. But you can plant things now, such as onions, garlic, shallots, broad beans, spinach, radishes, winter lettuce.

Up to you if you want to build a raised bed. I haven't. I've just got a bed with all the worst clods raked out to the ages to make a kind of wall (5-10 cm high). A raised bed would be helpful if you needed to raise the level of the soil and so make it deeper. But I'm guessing that if it's been under the trampoline, it might not be too compacted.

Lots of people here will tell you to hang onto the trampoline as it could be a useful gardening accessory. I'll let those who have one give you more information.

For now, hope you enjoy your new veg patch. Looking forward to hearing what you decide and about your progress.

[Bren In Pots]

Hello and welcome to the vine Tatty
I grow in none-raised beds that are a metre wide with quarry tile paths inbetween, but I know others on here use raised beds its mostly down to personal preference. As for what to sow now have a read at this thread for ideas :-
https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ps_100280.html
and this thread has ideas.
https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ie_100196.html

hope this helps.

[veggiechicken]

Hi Tatty and welcome!

Trampoline frames are very useful - don't get rid of it...............yet!! The netting enclosure can keep beasts off your crops and the metal frame can be reincarnated in all sorts of ways.
Here's one I prepared earlier - although most of the photos are missing now https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ase_67800.html

[lolie]

Hi all
I am new to this page. I just dismantled my kids' old trampoline and suddenly have a decent sized space to grow veg. It's October so do I make a start or leave it until Spring? Should I prepare the ground or build a raised bed? If I build a raised bed can I actually plant anything now? Thank you!

Make a start now. That will give you plenty of time to get your soil right before spring, whether you plant in the ground or in raised beds. Starting now means you won't lose time to amending soil or controlling weeds when spring rolls around.

It will also give you time to plan your garden and think about what growing methods you'd like to try. i think it's hard to go past square foot gardening for your first attempt. You can plant a wide variety of vegetables in a small amount of space and it doesn't require a lot of time spent on maintenance.

Another thing I'd suggest is reading up on the pests and diseases which affect the veggies you're planning to grow. Knowing what to expect and having a plan for dealing with it will increase your chances of success.

[SimpleSimon]

I started with raised beds out of wood and now sorta wish I hadn't. If I a new space in a garden id just create a no dig bed. Cardboard straight on the grass and 6inch of compost on top. Then plant into it right away and no only be ready for spring but you will have some garlic and onions nearly ready. Loads of stuff on YouTube about this method.

[chillithyme]

Welcome

I say start now as the weather is cool and it will be easier to get it ready by spring, you can do small amounts at a time or more if you prefer.Then you will be ready to go in the spring. Raised bed or open?both have their benefits, so no help from me on deciding between the two At the allotment I like it open, at home I prefer borders.
You can plant now, with or without a raised bed. Depending on how hard the ground is, you can loosen it up by digging over, or go with the no dig method mentioned.
Happy gardening

[Aberdeenplotter]

Dig it over as rough as you like now. The frost will break down any lumps/clods and come springtime you should have a nice planting area

[ameno]

I started with raised beds out of wood and now sorta wish I hadn't. If I a new space in a garden id just create a no dig bed. Cardboard straight on the grass and 6inch of compost on top. Then plant into it right away and no only be ready for spring but you will have some garlic and onions nearly ready. Loads of stuff on YouTube about this method.

No dig would be a good idea going forward, but it will probably need digging once at the start. Lawns tend to get very compacted, after all.