Friday, August 12, 2016

Vegetable plantation on raised beds

Raised bed layout is one of the techniques that helps in deep root on loosened soil. This method is more productive and efficient  when compared to growing directly on soil or even in grow-bags.I have setup a few raised bed with different dimensions and soil combination to learn and understand  the most suitable one for each category of plants.
Bed was filled with a composition of the following;
1. Soil
2. Rotting wood, branches, coconut husk and leaves.
3. Compost prepared from decayed plants after harvesting.
4. Animal wastes or cow dung.



 Planted egg plants and green chilly on the raised bed, used coconut husk along the boundary to protect the bed when it rains. Coconut is also used as one of the composition for preparing the bed.
Planted okra in another raised bed, since the soil with the compost is well loosened, proper supports were provided. Have a close look on the image. 
Bed was raised to 30 Cm in height. 
This raised bed is supported by stone pillars on its boundaries. Bed was raised to 20 Cm. Below image is a closeup of white radish grown on this bed.


 White radish plants aligned in rows. Root crops require loose and light soil for good growth of the roots, which includes; carrot, radish, beatroot and others.
The outer boundary of the bed helps and support in holding the compost or soil. Poly sheets beneath the bed helps retaining the moisture and restrict water to flow out. 
This is a South Indian variety leafy vegetable.


Turnip lined up on the bed. usage of compost soil, the bed contains lots of pores which retain water and oxygen.

Green chilies on raised bed.

How to setup a low cost  bed for vegetable plantation. 

1. Identify a location where the plants would get air and better sunlight.
2. Dig a pit measuring 15 inch/0.5 meters deep.
3. Apply a layer of coconut husk or any other material that helps in retaining moisture.(5-7 inches)
4. On top of husk apply decayed and rotten wood chips, Vegetable and plant wastes. (5-7 inches)
5. Apply compost which contributes another 5 more inches to the Pit.
6. Now that the pit is almost filled, spread a final layer of soil mixed with compost. This will add another 5 inches of height to the raised bed...More...