Soil, the ultimate infrastructure!

Although my family have been garden vegetable growers before, our new role as custodians of a 60 sqm allotment, seems like a different prospect.

Adopting a no-dig strategy to preserve the soil’s infrastructure, our first task was to use polythene to suppress weeds over several months. The next step, laying topsoil to even out the major undulations, followed by a layer of cardboard, 250mm of compost and a path made of bark chippings. We also planted a rosemary hedge to encourage polinators and provide a natural deterrant for various pests.

Lots of eager allotment growers shared advice on the best framing methods, what to not bother trying to grow, to be on the look-out for slow worms (or snakes as we have affectionately called them), what the badgers will destroy and how to keep costs down.

Already feeling enriched by the whole experience!