How to create a new garden?

[michellebrown]

Hi

I want to turn the paved area into a garden.  I'm assuming I'd need to put some topsoil down but how deep would the layer need to be.

It used to be a garden bed about a year ago.

I'll mulch it well as well to try and keep the weeds to a minimum.

Any other tips would be appreciated.

Michelle 

 

 

a minimum.

Any other tips would be appreciated.

Michelle

[JacobZ]

Hi @michellebrown,

Thank you for your question.

After removing the pavers, you may find that the soil beneath them is in fairly good condition, meaning you wouldn't need to add any additional soil or products, or you could find that it is fairly rough and void of nutrients. Your best course of action depends on what is beneath.

If it is void of nutrients, you should add a layer of compost or manure around 100mm thick then mix and turn the soil with a garden fork to incorporate it. This will add organic matter to the soil that will break down and create a fantastic growing medium. 

If you find there is a lot of clay, then in addition to compost or manure, you should add gypsum, which will help to break up the clay and promote better drainage.

Outside of this, regular watering and applications of fertilisers and plant conditioners like Seasol will have your garden bed producing beautiful plants in no time.

Allow me to tag @robchin, @Noelle and @mich1972 to see if they have any tips they can add.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[michellebrown]

Thanks Jacob

[robchin]

HI Michelle..

Sorry I'm a bit late to this one. Jacob Z makes a good point above - if it has been a garden bed already the soil underneath the sand/gravel under the paving may be fine. Let me reiterate that you will probably need to un-compact the soil underneath and if your not scared of a bit of manual labour then a shovel and a pitch fork will do the job. Or you might want to go to a hire shop and get a small rotary hoe and do it the mechanical way. Either way be aware that there my be cables/pipework that you have to look out for.  There may even be some tree roots for you to contend with. 

My other thought here is look out for the level of sun this spot gets when choosing what you plant in there. It's likely to get plenty of shade but looking at the picture it will be getting a reasonable amount of sun as well. Looks like one end will get more sun than the other as well. Be a great spot for a herb or kitchen garden I reckon. With one or two fruit trees espaliered along the fence/wall.