Between the frames, to prevent weed growth, we placed thick layers of hardwood sawdust - making paths. This wears down over time, but we continue to top it up when necessary. The amazing thing about sawdust is that very few snails like to pass over it. Whenever we see stumps where the lettuce was once thriving, we know it is time to top up the sawdust!
When planting in the vegetable beds, we use the companion planting method. Tomatoes are planted with basil. Nasturtiums and marigolds are planted with most other spring/summer vegetables. Each year, we rotate the beds, which means that we grow different types of vegetables in different garden beds. 'Musical beds', so to speak. We have learned not to mulch the seedlings until they show signs of growth and sturdiness. We used pea-straw mulch around our seedlings last year, and they turned black and died. The damp straw, heated by the sun created a humidifying effect, resulting in perfect growing conditions for bacteria and mildew. This naturally spread to the tender seedlings and they became overwhelmed. The black colour was a sure sign of mildew growth. What we do now is weed manually and regularly, if necessary, until the seedlings become taller, and then place the mulch around them. Diligence in weeding (and later mulching), watering and good drainage (which the raised beds offer) in the early stages of seedling growth pays off in the long run.
Today, we have a quaint picket fence around our raised vegetable beds. On the other side of the picket fence we have foxgloves, sage, catmint, rose arbors, lambs ears and chrysanthemums. Before spring is over, we hope to plant Russian Giant sunflowers. This all makes for the seduction of beneficial insects and critters to the garden. Butterflies, ladybirds and basking lizards are all welcome visitors!
CHARLOTTE MASON FAMILIES SHARING NEWSLETTER
LATE JANUARY 2001 - THE DE BRUIN FAMILY