Hey everyone! I'm new to gardening and I'm planning to start a veggie garden this year, even though I might be a bit late in the season. I've got an 8 x 14 ft garden bed, but there are some large plants and trees nearby, so it gets a fair bit of shade. I'm thinking about growing broccoli, cabbage or lettuce, carrots, and maybe radishes or leeks. I'd love to grow tomatoes too, but I'm worried there won't be enough sunlight for them.
I have a couple of questions that I hope you can help me with:
1. I'm considering a "no dig" method for my garden. The bed was previously filled with wood chips for about a year. Do I need to remove the old mulch or can I just cover it with soil before planting?
2. I've heard about seedbeds from a book I'm reading. They suggest starting vegetables like broccoli and leeks in a seedbed before direct sowing. Is there a specific reason I can't just plant them directly in the bed where they'll grow, assuming they aren't delicate plants that need to be started in seed trays?
Thanks in advance for your help!
2 Answers
A year is more than enough for the fungal activity to break down that mulch. Just add a layer of compost on top and keep the mulch there. As for seedbeds, they can help focus your energy on a small area if it's been prepared well. It's all about giving those seedlings a strong start. Direct sowing works too, but make sure your seeds are robust enough for that!
Sounds like a great start! I've done a no-dig garden and it worked wonders. You can definitely leave the old mulch there, just cover it with a nice layer of compost. It keeps the weeds at bay and helps with moisture! If you're going to dig, just be cautious because too much disturbance can compact the soil. I also add some nitrogen in fall to keep the nutrients up. But if it’s been mulched for a while, it's likely in good shape already!
Thanks! That's reassuring to hear. I think I'll stick with the no-dig approach.
Right! Just be careful about making the soil too fluffy; that can create issues with water retention. Sometimes a little compacting helps. Good luck!