New natural beds

The last two days have been really productive (and hard work!) and I've cut and carried 16 2-metre ash logs (courtesy of the nature reserve, who are thinning trees) to the plot. 

I thought I was going to make raised beds this winter but natural beds are so much better than having to buy or find timber! Plus, timber beds would be straight and straight lines would highlight the fact that the plot is wider at the front than at the back, which isn't a problem with slightly wonky logs!

Last year, I had natural microbeds marked out by grass in this area - better than wood as there's nowhere wet for slugs to hide but it meant so much edging work during the growing season that I thought it would be better to have more traditional beds.

I like logs - they look natural, can be moved anytime and anywhere and with time, you get fungi which is an added bonus for wildlife.

I'll now have to get on with soil preparation: cardboard then leaves and kitchen waste + compost from the heap, covered over winter and by spring the beds will be ready for planting!