Am I too late to dig a veg patch?

[roo-b-loo]

Hello! I'm new to the forum and COMPLETELY new to gardening of any sort but am determined to grow some veg (always wanted to do this since I was little but now have the opportunity).

So my first (of many, I'm sure) questions is am I too late to dig my patch? I read about double digging and was planning on doing that as have plenty of manure to dig through it but I can't find any info on when is best to do it.

Thanks!!!

[Pacey]

Pretty new myself only made my first bed about a month ago, with the weather being so bad lately people are behind anyway well from what i hear. I just stuck everything in and hoped for the best lol
But i know David T just said he ain't planted his carrots and something else yet so id suggest just get it dug over now and get whatever you want to grow planted

[roo-b-loo]

Thanks! I'll get it dug tomorrow in that case

[ginger]

I reckon you've still got time - I just dug over my beds this morning, and I have some brand new beds to dig yet, so I'd say give it a go.

I double dug last year, it's good exercise! Am taking it a bit easier this year (mainly - I think - because of last year's comprehensive double digging ), although I'll get some manure in and DD the new (thankfully smaller) beds when I get to them.

[DavidT]

Roo-b-loo don`t worry about double digging, just dig over the top spit. Also, you have plenty of time to plant all the veg you want.

[ginger]

So when is double-digging valuable? I've only been doing it because Alan Titchmash told me in his book.

Have I been sweating unnecessarily then?

*shakes angry fist at Alan T*

[DavidT]

Basically, yes. Most of your veg is rooting in the top 8 inches of soil, so unless you have a drainage problem I`d suggest turning over the top spit.