Pathside Edge Picking Bed

Just outside the dog gate at the end of the pergola out the back there was a pathway with an edge bed that needed to be re-vamped. As this pathway runs to the clothes line this makes an ideal spot for a Path-Side-Picking bed.

A length of in-line dripper hose was attached to the feeder hose nearby and used on Saturdays (3 hours) when our water restrictions allowed.

8 Apr 08:
Planted towards the back of the bed were some well advanced seedling brassicas 3 Broccoli, a survivor Kale (that wilted badly during the heatwave but has now recovered) and one Mini Cauliflower.

Along the edge I've planted Silverbeet, Celpar (Apium graveolens var. secalinum), Welsh Onions, Shallots and Egyptian Tree Onions and Lettuce.

With some Companion Plants of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) which were added to the Sage (Salvia officinalis), Garlic Chives, Greek Oregano (Oreganum vulgare hirtum) and Common Oregano (Oreganum vulgare), Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) and Curry Plants (Helichrysum italicum) that were already there.

I have also planted some purple flowering, climbing Roi de Carouby Snow Peas (seedlings) along the trellis so they will grow when the grapevines (that grow there) have dropped their leaves.

All seedlings/plants were transplanted with a good handful of worm castings.

The other side of the path has an established low rosemary hedge but the addition of a couple of tub gardens (washing machine or dryer tubs) within and just behind this allows easy access to Green Salad Clipping beds/tubs of mixed Mesclun Mix, Asian Greens, Beet greens and Lettuces.

Update 17 Apr 08:
Just a light sprinkling of rain has fallen since planting but everything is growing well.

Update 24 Apr 08:
No rain this week, temperatures high for this time of year. This is keeping the cabbage white butterflies and grasshoppers active. A weather change on the weekend will hopefully hinder these pests and maybe even bring some rain!

Update 1 May 08:
Rain!!! After about 20mms of rain during the week the greens on this bed have just about doubled in size.

Update 8 May 08:
No more rain but foggy mornings and cool temperatures are keeping these greens growing well!

Update 15 May 08:
Rain is forecast for the weekend...actually snow is forecast for Friday night! Brrr!
We are adding Celpar to soup and eating Silverbeet...and the Broccoli is beginning to flower.

Update 2 June 08:
The last few weeks have seen lower daytime temperatures in the upper teens and chilly mornings around 1-2C.
No more rain (or snow) but with evaporation rates at 0% for the next couple of months what water is applied stays in the ground for the plants.
The idea of placing this bed at the side of a frequently used path is helping me to keep an eye on the growing plants and check daily for any pests.