whats best drills or veg beds

sunnymount farm · Hazel Tree Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 15 Location: Tyrone

I am planning my new veg field for next year's crop but I have a few problems.

I think I need to plant my outdoor veg in drill rather than beds because I can get more produce in drill and if I need to extend the drills it's easier than disrupting beds.
However eccess by tractor to make drills is tricky but I maybe able to make a gap.
Is there a more simple way to plough, rotavate, and make drills than with a tractor and plough?
should I cosider another option?
I would appreciate any advise with regards to growing veg on a sloped south facing field, with tricky access for machinery.

Belfast · Ash Tree Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 235 Location: CSA

How large is the field?

What veg are you planing to grow.

sunnymount farm · Hazel Tree Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 15 Location: Tyrone

Thanks for the quick response 'Belfast'!

I plan to have a good variety including Cabbage, carrot, parsnip, broccoli, c/flower, turnip, leeks, onions. I hope to expand with experience.

The field in total is about 2 acres, but I will only start of using about 10 - 15 drills about 30 or 40 ft long. The drills will be on a slope as well.

The poly tunnel will be place beside the drills.

michael brenock · Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2009 9:08 pm Post subject:

south facing field best for growing nearly all crops. drill s are better to warm up because they drain faster but they also dry faster in dry weather. Drills better for weed control and for making a better seed bed.
Drill s are harder to make but better for potatoes and all cabbages.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

sunnymount farm · Hazel Tree Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 15 Location: Tyrone

Thanks for the advise Michael
Yes I also think drills are best for what I what to grow, just needed reasurance
I intend to plough the ground once and then simply rotavate it and make drills using a spade/shovel and repeat this after every growing seasons. This way I don't need a plough going through the land often.
Do you think this would work ok Micheal/All

michael brenock · Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 9:56 am Post subject:

Plough the whole area first then till with a spade or fork the area you need to use for seeding or planting. if you plough only half of the plot then you will have to come back in with the plough for later crops when it may not be convenient. Use the rotavator only when you are ready to sow or plant immediately.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

sunnymount farm · Hazel Tree Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 15 Location: Tyrone

Thanks Michael - that does make sense.
It's time for me to crack on and make a start.