Are there any backyard veggie gardeners here?

[Cuilidh]

What is the size of your new garden, Chookie?

[cookie1]

That's exciting Astarra.

[achookwoman]

What is the size of your new garden, Chookie?

Massive. I will try and post a photo. Ral and I have been discussing raised beds as the ones at Cherokee are so successful.

[achookwoman]

I will try and post a photo.

[achookwoman]

Sorry, can't do.

[Cuilidh]

Sorry, can't do.

Thanks for trying. 

I had imagined that your new garden would be considerably smaller than Cherokee, but it doesn't sound like it.

[cookie1]

Thanks anyway Chookie. We can use our imaginations.

[Cornish Cream]

Massive. I will try and post a photo. Ral and I have been discussing raised beds as the ones at Cherokee are so successful.

It sounds as though you have a plan already Chookie.Will you be able to grow the same fruits and vegetables that you grow at Cherokee? or is the climate different?

[achookwoman]

The climate is much the same.
The 5 acres at Invermay was originally a commercial Rose nursery. I really enjoy growing veggies without sprays.
We are discussing how to go about making raised beds.
We are considering
Wicking beds, probably about $500/800 all up. Each bed the size of a potato crate.
Colour bond tank like beds. $300 plus $200 for compost type soil. Slightly larger area than above.
Sleeper type sides, like Cherokee beds, but have to use timber that has not been treated with chemicals. About same price as above.
Then I am tempted to try building some beds from Straw bales, $ 5 each by 6. As there is plenty of space , this is possible but each bed would only last 1 year. Probably, $150 per bed. 1/2 size of above.
We will see.

[Cornish Cream]

You have lots of choice Chookie. The straw bales seems a lot of work to replace each year but worth a try  

[Cuilidh]

All the options sound good.  I wonder if straw bale may be the best way to go for the first year or so whilst you settle down and take the time to make a final decision about where you want to put the more permanent beds.  Also, the straw will rot down and can be re-used as mulch or tossed into your compost bin.

[mab19]

DS1 did straw bales for his veggies this year and it was very successful.

[judydawn]

So many options Chookie but I'm sure they will be a success whatever method you go with.

[achookwoman]

One of our visitors for lunch today is a great gardener.  I talked to her about the options and she started her veggie garden with hay bales.  She said these are better than straw.
We had beautiful rain nearly all day today.
Has been too hot until today to have a good look around.

[achookwoman]

GC picked these today.