Sugestions for small spaces...

Hi All,

I moved into my house over the winter. I have acquired a greenhouse which is going along very well so far. There is also a raised bed (3m*1.5m) which is boxed in with some old breeze block type blocks. Each block has 2x 6inch diameter holes in them and about 10inches deep (then down to the ground). - that makes 40 or so holes. So my question is what would be best to grow in these holes (if anything)? I wouldn't want anything to interfere with anything that will be grown in the bed (next year now i think as I've only just got it sorted). Is there anything that would be beneficial to keep pests away? Or maybe something that will hang over to disguise the breeze blocks? or could I use them as extra space to grow crops in?

thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

Do you mean like this ?

I've planted Lobelia and nasturtiums in our hollow block retaining wall, These will trail down & look pretty while we finish up the conversion. Next year i might dig them right out, fill em full of compost & grow leeks or parsnips.

 

Sorry, just saw the pest keep away bit. african marigolds, kill nematodes. You will have to keep the blocks well watered but bear in mind you could mobilise salts from the mortar that could disrupt the masonry & blow render off. dont water into the frost period.

 

hey thanks for the reply,

they are pretty much exactly like that but only one high then just onto soil below. There are enough block to make it 2 deep though but i think i'd rather make another bed?

I think I may fill them with compost and put some leeks in - although i'm not sure how easy these would be to get out. Could you put carrots in?

Also what herbs would do well as I may do alternate with some different things with the Lobelia and nasturtiums suggestion along the side closest to the house.

edit: by the way there is no rendering so watering shouldnt be a problem.

 

You could blanch a leek really well in them, just watch your hands digging them out, blocks are scratchy. carrots or parsnips would be good. Any drought tolerant mediterranean herbs would be good. Try winter savory, its got quite fleshy leaves, tends to get a bit woody but the young growth is great. Also sage, thyme, rosmary.