Preparing my plot

I decided to create raised beds due to the heavy clay we have in this part of the country. I wanted to dig in some organic compost to help the soil to drain more effectively. I don't have much space so my beds are small, although I will supplement them with some container veg. I have decided on a four year rotation plan so have divided my beds up and dug in some manure in the plot I will be using to grow potatoes this year. I have used both wood and Link-a-bord to line the beds. Link-a-bord is supposed to keep the heat in and it was on special offer in a magazine so I thought it was worth a shot. Will report back on this at a later date.

Anyway, I've finished creating my raised beds but have yet to complete landscaping the rest of the area. I want to create some flower borders and then put some gravel down to create pathways. All the compost I have used in the beds is organic.

I have bought lots of seeds from the The Organic Gardening Catalogue and my policy this year is to try heaps of different things to see what works and what doesn't. I'm particularly looking forward to growing squash, which is one of my favourites. I was gobsmacked when I looked through the seed catalogues and saw all the different varieties I could grow. It made me realise how appalling the selection you get in the shops is. In a supermarket or greengrocer, you might find two types of squash if you are lucky, whereas you can buy such a huge variety from a seed catalogue. I can't wait to see my Gold Rush courgettes!