[tmm]

Hi
I'm looking for some advice for preparing my raised beds for the winter.
All my raised beds have been weeded and just about ready for the winter.
My main question is what do i use as a mulch? Could i use horse manure on top of the soil in the beds on its own or would i have to cover the beds and manure?

[sunshineband]

If the manure is well rotted, then spreading it before the winter is a good idea, but only once the soil is nicely moist. Mine is very dry indeed still.

I am aware that some will now throw up their hands in horror, but once my emptied beds are ready for the winter, I cover them with thick black polythene well weighted down. This is for three reasons:
 - stops the soil getting waterlogged
-  stops nutrients from being washed deep down and keep them where they will be needed
- reduced opportunity for weed seeds to develop into strong plants before I am ready to sow.

I never have issues with a 'lack of air' to the soil, and the beds are ready to go come sowing time next Spring.


Werks fer me 

[Kristen]

I put muck on all my raised beds, around about now, and just leave them for the winter.  I don't muck the bed intended for Carrots / Parsnips, and I don't cultivate, at all, the bed for Brassicas next year to try to give them firm soil.

The worms do a decent job of incorporating the manure, and (mostly) I just hoe the beds in Spring and plant.

[tmm]

Thank you both for the advice