Raising planting beds helps grow more vegetables by reducing soil compaction, improving the soil by making it looser and also protects the planted area in times of excess rainfall.
Making beds
To make planting beds, first lay out a 1m planting bed and 0.5m foot path between the beds using stakes and double dig the soil along the planting area to loosen it if compact. This results into improved plant and root growth.
Dig a centre trench on the planting beds that is 50cm wide and 20cm deep while piling the soil on both sides of the trench then line the trench with leaves. Place vegetation in the trench at a height of 20cm and water, then add 5cm of animal manure and water again.
Add manure
Cover the trench by pulling soil of the planting bed area and leaving a foot path on both sides of the planting bed and smoothen/ level the top of the planting beds. You can add chicken manure prior to planting.
After 2 – 3 years of production, planting beds can be renewed/ rejuvenated by moving them half a metre to the left or right.
