How deep to dig veg beds

freebo_2

Hello,
Quick question, how deep do my veg beds need to be? We're digging out and surrounding them with verticle planks to make a rasied bed but don't know how deep they need to be. We're not growing spuds in these beds, I guess the deepest things will be carrots & parsnips.

Thanks!

Mike

angie_loves_veg

The usual answer to this is that you should cultivate the soil to be a 'spit' deep. (A spit is the depth of a spade).

If you are feeling brave, you could double dig - that is two spades deep, but it shouldn't be necessary if you are building UP as well.

Don't forget, if you are growing parsnips and/or carrots, you should NOT add manure (causes them to 'fork'), but garden/bought compost is fine.

skr00ge

We had loads of bind weed in the ground and I double dug chasing the roots down. I got the roots but pulled up sub-soil. The beds became quite dry and less fertile. We've had a job keeping the moisture in. If you can add more soil/manure/compost then I would single spade depth.

angelavdavis

My raised beds are two spades high, mainly to save my back when tending them

http://groups.msn.com/AngelasPhotographicEmporium/gardenproject2005.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1663

Excuse unfinished paths - hopefully will get these done at Easter!

Jayar

That's a great garden you've got there Angela (sorry, couldn't resist a peek at the rest of your garden pics ) Such a nice mix of veg and flowers - and those peppers, beautiful!

Jnelhams

It is a bit of a myth that you need to dig at all. In nature plants grow perfectly well with out big holes being dug etc, the only reason you may need to dig is if the soil has become compacted by rain or walking.

Here is one of the common ways used in Australia...

http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s867068.htm

brindles01

I am just working on my beds at the lottie and although a small area are in 'reasonable' condition most of the plot needs proper work. The beds that are fairly ok have dug over to 'fluff' them up then added a cover of manure, some leaf mould and, because the soil is quite sticky, a good dollop of sawdust. Then all I have done is forked this all over lightly to incorporate it and this is what I am going to plant into. I shall do this on an annual basis from now on without the need to heavy dig again.

mikeywills

There have been a number of studies done in relation to a no dig veg plot, but the royal horticultural society still recommend that you get a better crop from a dug bed. Its ok to keep adding on top but certain deep rooted crops will find it easier if you do turn the soil, such as carrots and parsnips. They are also a lot easier to dig up!