[RookieJim]

My new lotty is currently being cleared/turned over etc on bed at a time. As I'm new to the 'game', as it where, I don't have any of my own compost yet to add to my beds.

Is shop-bought compost sufficient to add to my new beds? I'm hoping to add some and let it work its magic through the winter as my soil is heavy clay.

Also, I'm planning on planting some onions and garlic in the next week or so, how long should I wait before planting in the newly composted raised bed?

Thanks in advance
Jim (always asking silly newbie questions)

[mumofstig]

Modern multipurpose composts are nothing like homemade compost IMO.

Add shop bought, by the bag, farmyard manure - that's more like 

I used this in my greenhouse beds this spring and it was nice stuff
Levington FYM

but there are a few makes out there

[DD.]

And....

Don't confuse compost with  fertilisers.

[savbo]

if you're only looking at a few beds, then bags of compost can make a difference for not too much cost. But once you're thinking of more beds, bagged is just too expensive. See if you can find spent mushroom composts or processed green waste delivered in tonne bags or looryloads...

[RookieJim]

Thanks guys.

Jim

[fatcat1955]

In my opinion , i would find a stable nearby and get as much manure as i could to put on the soil. Try for 4ins all over and then let the worm's dig it for you over winter.

[SG6]

As something to start to break down the heavy soil then it will do pretty well for that.

For nutrients and also to do some more breaking down of the heavy soil add manure, add gravel as well at some time as other wise it will revert back to heavy soil, probably not while you are maintaining it but fine gravel helps keep it's improved state, once it is there.

[Manteiga]

I would also look at 'Warrior compost' (that's what our local council call it). It is available at our local recycling centre, don't know about other counties, but it is very very cheap. Round our way it is a pound for 20kg and is pretty good stuff.