What I'm doing differently 10 years on

When setting up a new plot.

I’ve got a small plot that I am renovating to grow from. The plan is that it’s an exciting research and experimental space. I am going to utilise everything I have learnt in ten years growing flowers.

When I started growing flowers in the walled garden, I came at growing as a horticulturalist and designer with 15 years of working. I thought I had a lot of knowledge, and in some ways I did. But I made it hard work for myself and it cost a lot of money in compost, soil, labour and materials. This time I am doing it differently, and I predict I’ll have more flowers, spend next to no money and labour far less!

What I did then and how I’m doing it differently now across the following areas -

• Soil Prep

• Composting

• Mulching

• Watering

• Growing in Blocks

• The types of plants I am growing.

Following is what I used to do, what I am doing differently and why. I hope to save you some time and money too, growing lots of flowers too. I have linked all the processes to my posts with much more information.

Soil Prep

What I did - Double Digging & No Dig Beds

In the Walled garden, I orderer a turf cutter, lifted the turf and double dug the beds. This was a huge amount of labour. More about the problems here.

In the Braybrooke garden, 2 years later, I laid cardboard on the ground, and piled bought in compost mixes to create raised beds. This cost a lot of money but has had its successes. However, I am certain I can do it without importing soil now.

What I am doing this time -

This time, I’m going for a much cheaper and far less labour approach.