Create a deep bed: this is how you can grow root vegetables

Poor yields and malformed root vegetables result from poor soil conditions. You can remedy this by creating a deep bed that provides more space downwards than it is widthwise.

Deep bed: advantages

Growing root vegetables proves difficult when the soil is compacted. This is exactly the problem that a deep bed is supposed to solve. The special properties of the deep bed allow vegetables such as carrots, parsnips or chicory to grow deeply in a relaxed manner. The prerequisites for the effectiveness of the beds are the correct structure and the optimal condition of the soil that is used for the cultivation. The following advantages result from using a deep bed:

• smaller plant spacing necessary
• The substrate is very rich in nutrients
• significantly higher yields (up to 20 kg per m²)
• better water supply through deep roots
• Waterlogging is prevented

Materials and utensils:

• spade
• shovel
• Digging fork
• wheelbarrow
• Guideline
• Wooden posts for staking
• Folding rule
• Gardening gloves
• Compost (ripe)
• Horse manure (rotted)
• Quartz sand

Tip: If you are not physically strong enough yourself, you should definitely get a helping hand to carry out the project. Since you have to dig deep, creating a deep bed takes a lot of effort.

Preparation and planning

Planning the deep bed is essential so that it can ultimately provide the necessary conditions for growing the root vegetables. The final size of the bed is particularly important. The typical dimensions are:

• Depth: 50 cm to 60 cm (corresponds to 2 spade blades)
• Width: 120 cm
• Length: as desired

The special feature of the deep bed is the low space requirement, which is mainly achieved through the small width. Since you want to grow root vegetables, the depth is much more important than the width. On the other hand, you can adjust the length as you wish, as it does not affect the function of the deep bed. Just keep in mind that the time required is much higher if you create a longer deep bed. Mark off the desired bed with a guideline and include any unevenness. Another part of the preparation is the placement of the Plants in the bed. The following points must be observed:

• plant closely
• Plants have to touch
• do not plant into each other
• plant in a triangle pattern
• Use mixed culture

If you are not familiar with the triangle pattern, do not despair. This just means that you plant the root vegetables in staggered rows, creating numerous triangles instead of squares, as is the case with normal bedding. This is the only way to put the plants so close together without shrinking. As a precaution, make a plan with the positions in the bed. This will make it easier for you to plant them later.

Creating a deep bed: Instructions

Once you've finished preparing the bed, you're ready to begin the project. The ideal time is a day without precipitation, as soaked earth is far too heavy and can only be moved with great effort. The same goes for permanent dry spells, as the earth has to be broken apart by the loss of water. There should also be no ground frost. If the day is suitable for moving the deep bed, follow these instructions:

• Completely remove the turf
• Dig the bed a shovel depth
• Store excavated earth in a wheelbarrow
• mix with manure and compost
• work in sand if necessary
• this improves the soil structure
• Bed a further depth of spade (2. Excavate layer of earth
• loosen thoroughly with the digging fork beforehand
• break apart compacted pieces
• 2. Remove the soil layer from the bed and dispose of it
• Fill the bed with the excavated earth
• if the excavation is not sufficient, add a little more fresh earth
• Use root vegetables according to the planting plan

Note: If you want to use the bed for several years, you can fasten the sides. Elements made of stone are particularly suitable for this, as they do not rot over the period of use.

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