[rogertb]

Hi chaps, back issues (that’s problems with my back not old copies of magazines) have forced me to get some troughs, I will be putting legs on these, they are 100x40cm but they’re 30cm deep, I intend to grow salads and stuff so nothing deep rooted and it would cost a lot to fill with compost, anyone any ideas to, maybe, half fill the depth .... old cardboard boxes flattened sprang to mind !

[hasbeans]

You could try hugelkultur- basically a pile of rotting wood and other organic matter covered in compost/topsoil.  Plenty of info online on the technique.

[rogertb]

That sounds good I’ll certainly check that out thanks

[Enfield Glen]

Woodchip from a local lumberjack. As they have to pay the council to dump they are always happy to give it away, its not that heavy but you want to try and avoid comfier shredding's

[rogertb]

Good idea Glen, I’ll track some down ...

[Yorkie]

Woodchip from a local lumberjack. As they have to pay the council to dump they are always happy to give it away, its not that heavy but you want to try and avoid comfier shredding's

Not in our area, they aren't    We've tried to get some for the allotment site but to no avail ...

[Learnerlady]

Woodchip from a local lumberjack. As they have to pay the council to dump they are always happy to give it away, its not that heavy but you want to try and avoid comfier shredding's

hi EG why avoid conifer clippings, needless to say we were given some that havent used yet and now im worried?

[rogertb]

“needles to say” I see what you did there !

[hasbeans]

Don't conifer cuttings acidify the soil slightly?

[Blewit]

Conifer trimmings can be acidic when green but become neutral as they compost down. Likewise any biosuppressants they might contain also become neutral.

[Snowboar]

Either spend 39 quid on compost or use manure, soil  then top off with a bag of compost

[snowdrops]

Hi, did you make the containers? If so could you make them shallower.

[rogertb]

No I bought them snowdrops and I must say I’m very pleased

[snowdrops]

Ahh right then  could you maybe put some polystyrene in the bottom or old plastic plant pots to reduce the amount of compost you need?