Raised Bed!

Much of Perth and Fremantle are built on sand and as such growing anything other than plants native to this area can be quite challenging. Besides battling sandy soils which lack body and are often impervious to water, mulching is a must as the water evaporation rate is extremely high particularly as the temperatures begin to climb.

A recent trend is to build raised beds and develop a completely sand free environment. The following is a recipe for a, "No Dig Garden Bed Lasagne Recipe" (from Josh Byrne's, 'The Green Gardener'), which I have just completed.

Step 1.....a layer of newspaper - five to six pages deep or carpet.

(Note if being laid on concrete or similar an initial layer of sticks to allow air to circulate is recommended)

Step 2....... dry leaves 5cm


Step 3............. a layer of soft green material, e.g. grass clippings / weeds etc. 5 cm


Step 4......... a layer of straw 10 cm


Step 5 ........ a layer of sheep poo 5cm

Step 6 ....... a layer of lucern 10 cm

Step 7 ....... a layer of cow poo 5 cm

Step 8 ........ a layer of lucern 10 cm

Step 9 ....... a layer of mushroom compost 5 cm

Water in well. Leave for six weeks before planting.