PATHS – HOW THEY FEED YOUR PLANTS AND HOW TO LOOK AFTER THEM
WHY BOTHER WITH PATHS AND BEDS?
Forty years ago, most gardeners grew on level ground, with plants in rows and walking space between. Then, gradually, raised beds made appearances in a few gardens. Nowadays beds are almost the default method, as their benefits are acknowledged.
Yet there has been less attention paid to the spaces between and around beds. I see time and money being spent on paths, and bed sides too, but without always the necessary understanding on how to maintain paths, and how the soil in paths can work for us.
Path characteristics:
■ They are permanent, same place every year.
■ Mulched soil in paths maintains structure, fertility and moisture – available to plant roots from the
