I always struggle with the edges of my garden. This is where weeds encroach into the veg beds and I generally loose control!
The side of my poly tunnel is going to be one of those areas. It's about 3ft to the rabbit fence I've put in.
So I'd rather make use of this space than fight it for the whole season!
I decided to drag out some plastic I've used in the past for growing squash. these have holes burnt in them every 2ft (60cm), which works about right for winter squash.
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| Excuse the wheel - it's what I use to attache the fencer unit to! |
In these I've transplanted a range of squash. Some crown Prince, (a lovely one that grows huge and spreads everywhere) and some Honey bear which is one of the only F1 I grow. I love it as the plant stays quite small and it produces 2 or 3 fruits that are perfect for individual edible soup pots!
The other side of the tunnel I have another plan which me and the children are going to tackle next week!
How do you deal with the edges of your plot?
Hi Kev, I agree with you about Crown Prince and think its the best pumkin for eating as well as attractive colouring. In fact I'm planting mine out into their final positions today.
ReplyDeleteI love Crown Prince but think Orgeon Homestead is just slightly better. I'm growing both this year so hopefully I'll be able to compare them!
DeleteBark chippings over the landscape fabric for a path. You could even make some wood planters?
ReplyDeleteJust need some chippings! I got given a big old galvanised water trough the other day so have just planted that up with french beans!
DeleteI have trouble with garden edges for the same reasons. So far, the best method has been cardboard and woodchip mulch. Right now, it's a wild mess because we've had seemingly unending rain for the past several weeks, Sunny days ahead so hopefully, I'll make some garden progress!
ReplyDeleteI did the cardboard but it seemed to create a safe haven for all the mice who then ate my tree bark!
DeleteGreat use of the space! Pollinator-friendly flowers would be another option. ;0D
ReplyDeleteYes! I'm going with things that didn't involve buying anything this time as trying to reduce my spending during lockdown and trying ot use up some of what I have. I did think about lambs ear as well because apparently that's edible!
DeleteWe agree with you on both choices of 'pumpkin' (as F calls all such things) only she grew hers over a collection of old bike wheels lashed together in interesting arrangements. Apparently her grandaddy (strapped for space in his town garden) used to grow his scrambling pumpkins up a fence and build a small shelf under each fruit as it developed. F just made slings out of old stockings to support the pumpkins. Edges never seemed to be a problem, but she's a bit obsessive like that - mowed the grass, trimmed the edges, grow veg right up the edge, and use lots of mulch. Yeah the grass grew into the mulch in places, but that all became green manure too in the long run.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the squash.
I'm just terrible at keeping on top of things! Your garden sounds great, I love the idea of the sculpture though! I keep thinking I should set somewhere up where the squashes can climb and go wild!
DeleteOne of the city neighbors still grows pumpkins in the compost box, up the fence & into the walnut tree! He ties up some of them with pantyhose but they seem to survive nicely in the top of the tree until someone goes up & cuts 'em loose.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sharing your idea!
ReplyDelete