Filling raised beds??

moggy · « **on:** February 12, 2008, 19:45 »

just a quick one...what is best to use to fill raised beds....compost or topsoil or a mix?

i was hoping to get some topsoil off a mate but its really rubish quality so im looking for another solution.

agapanthus · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2008, 19:51 »

How about putting a thin layer of the crappy stuff
at the bottom and top with a mix of compost,
sifted crappy stuff and some manure?

jack russell · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2008, 19:55 »

yep i agree with aggy, and your compost heap willl help next year and so on.

Ice · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2008, 20:30 »

I built a 10x4' last year and filled it with layers of top soil. old compost. manure, and as many cheap bags of compost I could afford at the local B&Q. It worked a treat even though it was half filled. This year I have my own home rotted compost to make up the difference.

Rob the rake · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2008, 08:24 »

Moggy, if you have a clay soil you might also consider adding sharp sand to the mix to improve texture and drainage. Also have a look at my post on this thread. Double digging will open up the claggy bottom spit and permit better rooting, and will raise the height inside the bed without the addition of extra soil.

http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=13152&highlight=

moggy · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2008, 09:23 »

hi Rob thanks for that, my soil is good, its just the stuff my mate was gonna give me is more clay than anything lol

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