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Growing flowers in my veg plot?

Michael FerryMichael Ferry Posts: 4
in Talkback

Can I grow flowers to attract honey bees in my raised veg plot which I am leaving fallow this year? Will the soil be affected for growing potatoes next year?

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  • artjakartjak Posts: 4,167

    I always seem to have self seeded marigolds in the veg beds; they apparently keep aphids away? Anyway, they attract pollinators which is good.

    Why are you leaving the plot fallow for a year?image

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 16,537

    i grow sweet peas and gladioli for cutting in the veg patch.

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,744

    the calendula I planted in 2012 in the veg garden not only came back last year, but are still flowering their little socks off.

    Devon.
  • Michael FerryMichael Ferry Posts: 4
    Artjak, Thinking I'd give the soil a rest after growing potatoes for 3 consecutive years. My dad used to rotate but I have a single small raised plot. Was concerned whether growing flowers would exhaust the soil & would it be better to let it grow wild?
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,766

    I'd grow a different veg following the potatoes - what about some dwarf french beans or some mange tout peas?

      They'll fix nitrogen from the air with their roots and not exhaust the soil - and yes, grow some flowers too - I'm growing sweet peas and nasturtiums with the veggies. There might be some sunflowers and calendulas too image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • ClaringtonClarington Posts: 4,949

    Michael. What do you use to replenish the soil normally? Manure? Blood & bone pellets? Compost you've made yourself?

  • Michael FerryMichael Ferry Posts: 4

    Clearington, Organic farmyard manure from Dobbies. Have dug this in prior to planting but yields diminishing & blight affecting foliage last 2 years. Feel maybe it needs a rest!

  • artjakartjak Posts: 4,167

    Dove, that sounds lovely; can we see pics when it happens?image

    Micheal, I think Dove's advice is sound; I grow potatoes in bags, they do well and then the spent compost can be used for pots of bulbs in the autumn, or on the veg bed (if you are not going to grow potatoes or tomatoes there)

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,766

    Blight is due to spores in the air, and although stronger plants are better at resisting infection, it will reduce the yield.  

    I would definitely grow something on the land as cultivation will help to get rid of any blight spores on the soil surface.  

    Go on, put some peas and beans in there image

    They'll look pretty image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 16,537

    I wouldn't grow potatoes in the soil more than once in every three years. Follow potatoess with peas/beans in year 2 and then brassicas in year 3.

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