Last year we let the raised bed lay fallow. We were too busy
to plant, so let the soil have a rest by default. It killed me to not plant
tomatoes, but some years are like that – other matters need tending.
Earlier this month I ripped out the existing drip system,
and amended the soil with a good, organic amendment from Home Depot. I dug deep
to incorporate the material with the original soil. I was surprised at the
number of advantageous roots that had worked their way into the soil, no doubt
from the surrounding trees and bushes. The nerve!
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| Rust-clogged emitter |
I considered recycling the drip components, but, on
inspection, found that many of them had rust build up that was clogging the
emitters and pipes. So, I started fresh with a new design that used all new parts
and fittings. The water seems to flow better with the new fittings.
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| New drip pipes and emitters |
Now I’m ready to plant. According to the Community Gardening East Bay Planting Guide, I should be able to plant now. But I know from
experience that our property, which is situated at the base of a hill, often
runs a little colder than other places in the East Bay. I’ll wait a couple of
weeks to plant my summer and winter vegetables.
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| Raised bed is ready to plant |
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