Re: Runner Beans
Originally Posted by
John leave
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I'm new on here so hi all.
I am thinking of building a trug myself was it hard to build.
Hi, John.
If you mean a raised bed, I can tell you of my experiences.
We have some pretty solid clay ground and so I decided to use concrete blocks.
I placed twenty-six 4" x 9" x 18" blocks in two layers forming slightly curved walls (to fit in with existing arrangements).
I first dug down a few inches to more solid ground (including some small rocks that could have been left there by the original builders!) then placed the lower layer where I wanted them.
Using pieces of wood so as not to shatter the blocks, I knocked down the blocks with a heavy mallet as far as I could, checking for level as I did so.
I then
glued, yes glued!, the upper layer on top using Gorilla Glue. I did this rather than using mortar as mortar only holds things apart; I wanted them firmly attached in case of any slight movement so that the walls would retain their shape. I did then use some mortar to fill the gaps as well.
We then filled the void with a mixture of new, clean soil, compost and something else (? can't remember what it was - the wife is the gardener and she knew what composition would be best!).
That was it, and it has proved very effective. Things are growing very well, especially runner beans, considering it is our first attempt.
I'm becoming sick of runner beans.