Root Crop Preparation

For the first year the soil was dug over to remove grass and weed roots. In subsequent years only airborne weeds will appear and so no digging of the soil is necessary.

For the first year newspaper or cardboard is laid on the bed as a weed suppressant. This will not be required in subsequent years.

Timber pieces are laid to mark where the compost will be placed if you want to create a full row.

For the first year a mulch of horse manure is applied with some wood shavings. In subsequent years I will be using whatever manure is available (horse/cow/compost).

The timber is removed so allow the compost to be laid. This was only done in the first year. In subsequent years when weed suppressant is not required I just part the manure for either a row or individual plantings

Compost is applied

For the first year I covered with polythene to allow the manure to break down as it was fairly fresh. Covering in subsequent years not necessary