It is just over 8 weeks since the new square metre beds were started. The results so far have been nothing short of spectacular. All four beds have shown tremendous growth and each is looking very healthy.
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Carrots
The seed was sown on 15 July 2010 and the germination was rapid. Each station had 3-5 seeds and for the first time all stations germinated i.e. at least one seed came up. I can honestly say that is the best carrot germination rate I have ever experienced.
Cabbage
The seeds were sown 16 July 2010 in a row across the bottom edge of the bed as I wanted some plants for other beds. Again the germination rate was excellent. The transplants were shared between the original square metre beds in another part of the garden. There are 9 per bed. Now just a few weeks later the cabbages are looking very good and should be ready this month.
Leeks
These were transplants raised in root trainers. There is a full bed in the main garden. They are doing well although a little late as the cold then dry weather held up the transplanting and meant that regular watering was needed.
Spinach
I sowed several stations of perpetual spinach (leaf beet) at the same time as the cabbage. The germination was good producing strong healthy plants which were very attractive to the local pheasants! There were some losses along one edge of the bed but there were enough plants to replace those eaten. The bed is now looking good and there should be a good supply of spinach well into the winter.
See how the beds were made and the seed sown here.
Our thanks to the following companies who have supplied the edging kits and compost for this trial.
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“Link-a-Bord is manufactured by Armillatox Ltd, who have over 40 years experience in the gardening and horticultural products industry. It is made from 98% recycled plastic, and is unique in that it is double-skinned, keeping warmth trapped inside a Link-a-Bord structure and maintaining a stable growing temperature.” |
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“We use a bespoke process that harnesses nature and technology to create a range of composts, fertilisers and soil improvers, which are of a consistently high quality.
Learn more about how we Process, green and kitchen waste, reducing Britain’s landfill while providing peat-free, organic, UK sourced environmentally friendly growing media.” |
