[sandygreen]

Hi

I have just bought a small raised bed - 1m x 1m.  A friend has said she filled hers with a mixture of peat based compost, sharp sand and top soil.  Is this right? I also have my own compost which I can put in.  What would be the ratio, especially of sharp sand.  I also have a bag of manure (shop bought).  Can I chuck this in as well?

[moose]

Compost, sharp sand and topsoil is fine. Before you put manure in decide what you are going to grow. Carrots in particular don't like freshly manured soil, they prefer it more sandy. What is underneath the bed? Is it on soil, grass or patio. How deep is it? Sorry lots of questions but these are things which will effect what you do.

[sandygreen]

The depth is 6 inches, it is one of these linkaboard kits.  It will be on soil.  Not sure exactly what I will be growing but I think dwarf beans, beetroot or possibly runner beans but certainly won't be growing carrots.  I will probably put in spring cabbages later in the season

[moose]

You should be ok with the manure - the beans will love it. The first year I put down a raised bed I put a few sheets of newspaper in the bottom to make sure no weeds crept through.

[sandygreen]

That's a good idea, will try that - anything that cuts down weeding is a bonus!  Thanks very much.