Vegetable Plot

Double digging is more of a traditional than a permaculture technique. It has obvious disadvantages; it is labour intensive, it disturbs the seed bank and can result in a rudarel explosion, it can disrupt quality of soil which may have taken years to build up, and it can contribute significantly to erosion. In this case, however, I felt it was well indicated; Apart from a best guess, I had no idea what the underlying soil quality or previous land use was like; the clay waterlogged soils could do with turning over, I was growing predominantly root crops and so would benefit from deeply tilled soil with no foreign matter (rocks, household waste and other debris), and several medium sized ant colonies were dispersed for crops. Whilst I wouldn't do this every season, as an initial move to crop cultivation it proved successful. In successive years I will be able to rotate and build soils, as the compost and green manure (clover) will be available for use. [Please note: the above images are of a different garden which I double- dug. I did not photograph the study area whilst digging].

The vegetable plot is a traditional 4- plot rotation separated by a crossed path of bark chippings. The rotation is to go clockwise each year to avoid soil borne pests and diseases, and to permit the soil to recover from the unique absorptive demands of the crop being grown. The vegetable plot has a central cross of bark chippings to separate the individual rotations. It is dug deeply to ensure adequate separation. The use of bark chippings is of value because in wet weather it serves to drain water away, yet acts as a reservoir in dry weather, thus acting as a natural buffer against waterlogging or drought. It is a weed- free and convenient way to attend to crops, and prevents compaction of soil. The material is an inexpensive natural product which will biodegrade slowly without leaving any toxic or unpleasant residue. 

 

 Salad vegetables growing at the periphery of the plots. These plants can be grown intermingled with the other (root) crops and do not negatively influence the rotation.

 

Above: the first step towards verticality and ployculture. I have added red and black current bushes at the periphery of the plot. In subsequent years other plants are to follow: rhubarb, herb bushes such as rosemary, lavender, sage, and other backyard permaculture orchard standards such as apple, pear, apricot, plums, etc. In this way, the food growing area will migrate from a traditional 4- plot system with straight lines, to a more various and stratified polyculture.