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Uncle Marvo · 14-09-2006, 03:38 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

In reply to michael adams ) who wrote this in
, I, Marvo, say :

"Uncle Marvo" wrote in message
...
In reply to michael adams ) who wrote this in
, I, Marvo, say :

"Uncle Marvo" wrote in
message ...
It's not really an allotment, but I'm getting to the idea of
vegging on the bank. Trouble is, it's on a wicked slope, about 1
in 2. Is this likely to make it drain too much for most veggies? I
know most stuff need water to produce the bits you eat, apart from
root veg.

Anyone had experience of growing veg (particularly legumes) on a
slope like that?

I could quite easily rig up a pump to water it straight from the
river though, as long as the veg was washed properly before eating
that shouldn't be a problem.

I think I might also get competition from Mr Ratty and his friends
the rabbits, but maybe I can fence that off in a Mr McGregor
stylee.

At the moment, what's preventing this bank of yours from gradually
sliding into the river, whenever there's heavy rain ?

That might no longer be there, if you dig it all up ?

A good thought. Nothing, apart from the nettles and dock. I would
hope that the veggies would replace the non-slide function.

If the nettles have been long established then quite possibly they
will have formed an interconnecting mat of roots in the soil. Both
living and dead roots may form a stabilising layer near the surface
of the soil. The same may be true of dock.

A good point. If I scythe down the nettles, presumably the roots will stay
(and the nettles will grow again!)

But then, if I plant some other stuff, that will also have roots. Or shall I
give up now?

Marvo NEVER gives up :-)