[samnorfolk]

im a novice at veg growing but I have a small cheap polytunnel 3x2x2 which i used last year to grow cucumbers, peppers tomatoes etc and this year i would like to put in some small raised beds as ground isnt good enough. How would i go about filling the raised beds

[Hamani]

I would try contacting local farmers or stables to see if they will sell a large ammount of manure. Asking around at local allotment sites might have some good contacts who are willing to deliver?

- Gary.

[mumofstig]

Yes add as much organic stuff as you can, have you got any homemeade compost to add? You could also add some layers of cardboard or newspapers , grass cuttings etc.
Some councils sell at low prices (or free on collection) bags of green waste compost - it's worth finding out if yours does

[NorthEast Old Newbie]

I was recently advised by one of the T.V.gardeners, in a mail, to build them 12 inch high minimum. Cover the bottom in cardboard, then a good depth of well rotted horse manure and fill up with a mixture from a compost heap (well rotted) and good soil.

I got to start somewhere just like you.     

[sunshineband]

The higher the sides the more filling is needed, of course 

To begin with, you do not need to fill the beds to the top, as by adding more compost etc each year they will fill over a period of time

Saves on the initial outlay if you have to pay for materials