Volunteers have raised 2 beds of mixed seedlings in our new raised beds. We used the no dig technique and built up the soil above ground level. The procedure used is described below
1. beds placed in a trench and the trench backfilled (for weed management)
2. gypsum and blood and bone spread over un-dug ground (grass, rocks,weeds)
3. ground covered with newspaper and cardboard
4. cardboard covered with mulch which filled the bed to about 30cm below top edge
5. mulch parted in rows
6. cleared rows filled with Misty Ridge planting medium* level with height of mulch
7. growing medium watered
8. seeds planted and watered, labelled and dated
9. beds covered with shadecloth
10. beds watered by hand 2-3 times per week

We have now planted out some of the seedlings which are all looking very healthy. These include tomatoes and lettuce,(sold 100g of the baby spinach).

Volunteer TGP members are encouraged to take seedlings for plantings on their properties. We have also sold some seedlings to growers.

* see Tips and Facts for Misty Ridge growing mix recipe

TGP (thanks to Ken Johnson) is making available to growers, Ken's trialed and proven design for raised garden beds. At the tucker patch we are currently planting some of these beds. The beds are made of recycled materials and range in cost for materials from $20-$50. New materials will cost more. If you build them yourself there is no labour cost. Mick O'Brien, who has improved the design, has also offered to make them for the not so practical amongst us, for $50 each bed...you supply the materials.

The bed design includes
- metal frame (which can be buried in the ground for a weed and animal barrier.
- metal tube support for strengthening bed and holding polypipe hoops
- hoops to support bird netting, shadecloth and plastic.
- tie down holes to attach the netting and shadecloth to the bed

The beds can be seen by visiting the Tucker Patch site. If anyone would like to order some beds please contact Mick O'Brien (65582369) or Ken Johnson (65583191)

In a short space of time, a small group of volunteers have begun the process of transformation from a bare paddock to a productive garden.

• A couple of our friends have offered their professional skills and volunteered to design a site plan and attractive signs.

• A shade area is planned and will be erected as soon as possible. It is hoped to have some wet weather cover as well.

• The trenching for the watering system was started on Wednesday 14th October and the pipes, pump and tank installation will follow.

• Garden beds have been started and are now ready for planting.

• Some herb and vegetable seedlings are ready for planting.