[retrorose]

Hi,
I have been lucky enough to get my new raised beds filled with compost from local stables. It seems to have broken down pretty well, so I'm not concerned about scorching plants. It's a few years old. My question is this. Do I need to add soil also? The amount I received has filled the beds up completely, and I am not sure if, to grow things, I need ordinary soil in there too. I would appreciate your help.

[John]

Difficult to say - I'd suspect it might be unbalanced. Heavy on nitrogen and low on other nutrients. It might also be acid.

Usually you would add a couple of inches of manure to the soil and it gets mixed into the top 6 - 9".

I'd certainly add a third by volume of soil and mix it. But that's not scientific knowledge, just a feeling.

[retrorose]

Thanks very much. I added a few barrow loads of ordinary soil today. It mixed in beautifully. Appreciate the advice.

[John]

You're welcome

That's what the forums are about - asking and answers.