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Hey neighbours, most of us are lucky enough to get on with the people we live next door to, but what can you do if you don't?
We asked some experts how to stop minor irritations turning into something more serious, and who you can you turn to if things start to get out of hand - because … View moreHey neighbours, most of us are lucky enough to get on with the people we live next door to, but what can you do if you don't?
We asked some experts how to stop minor irritations turning into something more serious, and who you can you turn to if things start to get out of hand - because being better neighbours can only have a positive impact on the quality of our communities, and who wouldn't want that :)
We have some choices this time around.
Thanks to all the nominees.
Voters ... will need to be proactive too.
www.electionz.com...
Ladies - freestyle dancing in the dark every Wednesday night 6.30 - 7.30pm at King Lion Hall $5. This weeks playlist below.
1. Keep it simple
You can’t beat raised vegetable beds for convenience. They’re much easier on your back than in-ground beds and their elevated height means weeds won’t spread so quickly from lawns and other areas. You can also build them anywhere, even over existing concrete, and they’re … View more1. Keep it simple
You can’t beat raised vegetable beds for convenience. They’re much easier on your back than in-ground beds and their elevated height means weeds won’t spread so quickly from lawns and other areas. You can also build them anywhere, even over existing concrete, and they’re ideal for sloping sites. If you’re a newbie gardener, they’re more manageable than in-ground beds because you don’t have to worry about testing the pH or improving the quality of your existing soil. Just fill your raised bed with the good stuff that’s specially mixed for growing veges, which you can buy at any garden centre or landscape supply company.
2. Built in
When built well, raised vege beds add smart structure to the garden, which is important when space is tight and your vege patch is close to outdoor living areas. If you use similar materials or colours, the beds can be integrated beautifully with existing built elements. You can also use them for seating by using a wide capping on the tops.
3. Position
The ideal location for raised vegetable beds is virtually the same as in-ground types: level ground (although they can be built on slopes if built across, not down the slope), a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight a day, shelter from wind and frost, and proximity to the kitchen and a hose or other water source. A north-facing position with little shade from overhanging trees and buildings is perfect. However, there are always variations in gardening and veges can be grown in a variety of different aspects, even facing south. It just depends on the type of crop you want to grow.
4. Number of beds
For new gardeners, 3-4 small raised beds will be plenty of work to start off with. You’re better to begin small and have gardens that are well maintained and productive than try to manage several larger beds and give up because it’s all too hard.
5. What soil mix?
There are lots of options when it comes to vege-growing soil mixes, but the chief requirement is that it’s nutrient-rich and free-draining. To make your own, use sterile (no weed seeds) topsoil mixed with homemade or mushroom compost, sheep pellets or other animal manure, hay, bark fines (a fine bark blend) and other organic material.
6. Material choice
Timber boards, stone, brick, concrete block, untreated macrocarpa and corrugated steel are all good options. Ground-treated timber should be lined with polythene so the chemical preservatives used to stop rot won’t leach into the soil. Untreated macrocarpa and other timbers such as cedar contain natural anti-fungicidal oils that are safe for growing edibles.
7. Size
The most important dimension for raised beds is width, to ensure you can easily reach across to the middle from all sides for weeding and harvesting. For access from three sides only, the ideal width is about 1m; from all sides, about 1.5m wide. The length is up to you but it is cheaper if you build to fit standard timber sizes. The depth depends on the veges you want to grow. Aim for around 500mm for root crops such as carrots and potatoes, but for shallow-rooted crops like leafy greens, beds can be 300mm deep.
8. Water
Because the soil in raised beds dries out more quickly, you need to water them more often. You may also need to mulch in summer. Time-poor gardeners could consider a pre-made self-irrigating garden bed or use a wicking system which involves building a reservoir for water below the soil level, meaning less water evaporation.
9. Ready-made
While a key advantage of built-in beds is they can be designed to fit your space, it’s sometimes easier to buy one of the many pre-built raised beds now on the market. Some come with self-watering systems and covers to keep the bugs out and protect crops from wind and heavy rain.
10. On the grass
If you’re planning to build a raised bed on a lawn, kill the grass first by covering it with sheets of cardboard or a tarpaulin for about 6 weeks, or skim off the grass with a sharp spade. Cover the bottom of the raised bed with a thick layer of newspaper or weed mat to prevent grass or weeds growing back.
11. Be safe
Before you start digging holes for posts and so forth, check that there are no water, gas or electricity pipes below. And don’t build a raised bed on a wooden deck unless you are sure it can take the weight.
Wall unit . Good used condition.
Have few scuff marks around due to age.
Pretty solid . No damages .
Measurements : height (190 ) width (185) deep (45)
Must pick up from Totara park , Upper Hutt ( this Friday , Saturday or Sunday) with prior appointments.
Will fit in a large trailer. No steps… View moreWall unit . Good used condition.
Have few scuff marks around due to age.
Pretty solid . No damages .
Measurements : height (190 ) width (185) deep (45)
Must pick up from Totara park , Upper Hutt ( this Friday , Saturday or Sunday) with prior appointments.
Will fit in a large trailer. No steps . Easy parking on the drive way. Will need 2-3 people to lift.
Selling since leaving nz.
Happy to answer any questions.
I have put this on Trade me also . (Listing #: 2279184726)
Thanks
For any questions pls ring - 0212939028
Do you trust your council? Do you feel safe at home? Take our survey about your town.
For the Your Place survey we've put together a series of questions which should provide us with a comprehensive set of data that will be analysed and put in context for us by a team from AUT University.
… View moreDo you trust your council? Do you feel safe at home? Take our survey about your town.
For the Your Place survey we've put together a series of questions which should provide us with a comprehensive set of data that will be analysed and put in context for us by a team from AUT University.
We'd love to hear from you. Find out more here.
Lovely article in the DomPost (Saturday) about my wonderfully supportive husband Reg Newell. Also democracy in Upper Hutt is alive and well with 20 candidates standing for ten seats in the local body elections. Make sure you register to vote.
We will never get the moa or huia back and it could take 50 million years for New Zealand's birds to reach the same level of diversity as when humans first made landfall.
*If you don't want your comments used in an article, just add NFP at the end of your post
The local elections are a great opportunity to decide on who we want to represent our communities over the next three years.
With elections just around the corner, this is a good time to pinpoint the issues that affect you and are important to you. Being clear on this is a first step in knowing… View moreThe local elections are a great opportunity to decide on who we want to represent our communities over the next three years.
With elections just around the corner, this is a good time to pinpoint the issues that affect you and are important to you. Being clear on this is a first step in knowing what you want your local councillors to support or who to vote for. What are the issues you want your next local council to focus on?
Calling all cat lovers to the Hutt Feline Cat show at Expressions, 836 Ferguson Drive, Upper Hutt. From 10am to 3:30 pm, Saturday 17th August.
Don't forget to check out the Outpawed stall and support them as kitten season is fast approaching.
Tickets to be purchased on the day: Adults … View moreCalling all cat lovers to the Hutt Feline Cat show at Expressions, 836 Ferguson Drive, Upper Hutt. From 10am to 3:30 pm, Saturday 17th August.
Don't forget to check out the Outpawed stall and support them as kitten season is fast approaching.
Tickets to be purchased on the day: Adults $4.00 Children $2.00
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