kitchen garden.

[mimififi]

Hi guys,
have just levelled some patio stones in my garden and have decided to leave he edge of the patio next to the fence kind of jagged. The patio stones are different sizes and so they tesselate all over and then this edge is all different. The paito is laid over an old flower bed, and is right outside my kitchen door in a sheltered very sunny part of my south facing garden. I also have left a small ish triangular shape at the corner on the other side and have a pond at the end. (Obviously, this looks like a design, but in reality is is because I didn't have an angle grinder and couldn't cut the stones to fit, ha ha)

So, in these areas, ie, down the side and in the triangular part, I would like to grow a kitchen garden as organically as poss, but know I may have to do the old slug pellet thing. What would be the best things to grow, I like all salad and herbs. i was thinking tomatoes, runner beans, corgettes? Any thing else? It has to be easy and give a good yield. Also, what herbs can I plant aswell that will be useful for deterring bugs such as chives for black fly etc.....

Any helps is as always, so very gratefully recieved.....
cheers
mimi

[Clanad]

So, how'd the reconstruction project go? Well, I hope. A suggestion... to help stabilize your newly placed patio, obtain a product form a DIY called, here at least, paver block edging. It's cheap and is made from durable plastic and comes in 4 foot long strips. It's shaped like an "L" and is about 2 inches on each side. It comes with stakes that you pound through holes in one side and is meant to hold pation blocks in place. Even though your flagstones are "tesselated" (interesting word!) place the edging a few inches outside of the widest part in a straight line. Secure to the ground with the stakes and then fill the area between it and the flags with the sand we discussed. This will stabilize the patio and give you a nice line to work with your proposed garden.
My only advice on herbs is that, especially with oregano and chives, that you'll find wall to wall plants frowing next year since they are very aggressive with the tiny seeds that spread everywhere. For something different and useful in recipes, try fennel... As for bugs, plant a few marigolds... Good job!

[mimififi]

Hi clanad, it went really well, at least the kids arn't tripping over the uneven stones anymore (and I think hubby was a little put out I did it by myself: He has been very handy doing all the other jobs that need doing too, so I guess he is feeling usurped!!! hehehehehe) Pond isn't quite done yet, but it should be by the end of the week.

Thanks for your advice about invasive plants, I was thinking of planting the invasive ones in pots under the soil, just to help contain them a bit, especially seeing as I would like to grow some mint and we all know what a nightmare that one is! Thanks for the tip about marigolds, I had forgotten their organic value.....!

thanks ever so much. I'm off to the garden centre in a minute to peruse the herbs and salad seeds! May even buy a few tomatoe plants.

sorry about the word tesselated, is it a fake word then? I wouldn't be surprised, I'm always making up words LOL!!!

[mimififi]

also, i shall keep my eye out in the diy shop for the edging you mention....haven't seen it before, but then, haven't been looking either so I shall investigate.

love
mimi
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