[Batesy]

I've only had my allotment for just over a week and already friends and family have started to offer me things that may come in handy.

First, I've been offered about 10x 40l bags of topsoil. I was planning on creating a raised bed at some point so would this be of any use for that?

Secondly someone has offered me a black plastic 80l dustbin with holes drilled in the bottom and no lid. Would this be suitable for making leafmould? Or shall I just use it to grow some carrots or potatoes in?

[Christine]

Don't know what the topsoil is like - a raised bed would be a good place for it. If you do the raised bed and put the topsoil in it you can see what it's like over winter - clay and apt to hold water, sandy and drains too much. That way you have the chance to add compost to lighten the clay or as much humus and manure as possible if it's sandy.

So long as you raise the bin off the ground (any old bricks will do) you can use it for leafmould if you can find something to act as a cover (one or two of those bags of top soil when empty). Or you can use it as a compost bin with a cover (those bags again) in which case there is no need for the bricks.

Or you can put the soil you have offered given in it and grow things in it.

  Whatever choice is easiest for you

[Mr Dog]

Might be worth checking your site's rules on topsoil - not allowed to bring it on (or take it off) where I am.

Personally I'd grow carrots, and other roots, in the bin.

[Dantheman]

Collect as much free stuff as you can to start with it's amazing what you build with it or use it.

[Batesy]

Thanks for the replies. I will check the rules regarding the top soil. I think I'm going to use the bin to grow something in, as leaf mould can be stored easily elsewhere, and I intend to extend the existing compost area made from pallets.

I do like the fact that my allotment is already preventing a few things from being chucked into landfill.