Video here - how to make a raised bed on the contour
I am learning so much I cant tell you how excited it makes me. Growing food, discovering and learning, being in nature and watching how it all comes together is the most rewarding experience.
So here we have it
1. Dig a trench about 70cm - 1m wide and 30cm deep- on the contour of the land (try and keep it an even depth as you would a swale) - I am using these as I would a swale.
2. On the grass next to the trench put some cardboard (make sure the tape and plastic is all off) - no need to weed, the cardboard will smother the existing grass and it will eventually turn into organic matter and nourish the soil.
3. Throw the soil from the trench on top of the cardboard (you can use dry grass instead of cardboard if you prefer) - on the downhill side of the trench - (The trench/mini swale, will capture water and it will seep into the ground on the downhill side)
4. Add a layer of newspaper on top of the soil (flatten the top a bit) - approximately 1m wide - wide enough to be able to pick food from either side of the trench
5. Add compost layer - Make your own 18 day compost (video up soon) or dry horse manure or find a friend who makes and buy
6. Add a thick layer of mulch (we use dry grass, its free, easy to get and works brilliantly) - As neighbours to dump their grass clippings at your spot instead of taking them away MAKE SURE THAT THEY DON'T USE ROUNDUP or any other poisonous Pesticides or herbicides before taking. - It must dry out before using - OR WOOD CHIPS -
I can't tell how much the plants love love love the mulch - keeps the moisture in and the weeds out.
7. Make little holes and put your paper cups with your seedlings straight in
8. Fill the trenches with broken up sticks, bark, dry leaves - they keep the water in and will eventually turn into compost that you can pile on top of your beds.
9. REMEMBER to make pathways in between the beds so that you don't have to walk on them. (NB - NEVER walk on the beds - the soil mustn't be compacted - good luck training doggies and kiddies with that)
