Hi all
I was hoping someone could give me some advice.
Ive just taken on a plot and am in the process of preparing it all.
I plan to make raised beds (three 2.4m by 1.2m beds to begin). I have the wood for the beds and also have approx. 1000L of compost and 300L of rotted horse manure. I have also collected a load of organic material (hay, straw, fallen leaves, and coffee grounds plus some leaf mould/general compost)
The soil is clay but not too hard. There has been some waterlogging with the recent heavy rain does clear ok but definitely drainage needs improved.
I have removed surface weeds and rotivated which i think was a mistake as there are still weeds visible but now in little pieces. However, with the drainage issue and also the need to remove more weeds i am thinking of double digging the area where the beds will be placed.
My question is to do with when and how i use the compost / manure / organic material. I seem to be reading conflicting advice but at the moment i think im toying with one of the following options;
1) Method 1
- Dig single spit depth and remove top soil (& remove weeds)
- Loosen subsoil a further spit depth
- Add some of my mixed organic material (straw/leaves etc) and fork into sub soil roughly (possibly with some of the manure?) (water?)
- move to next row and repeat, adding the top soild onto the first row etc,....
- The new compost would then be added to the finished patch and covered with membrane over winter
OR
2) Method 2
- Double dig bed adding nothing
- then use my organic material (maybe also using paper/cardboard) to build 'lasagne' layers on the top
- cover for winter
If i go this route when / where do i add my compost and manure? In the lasagna? In the dug top soil under the lasagna?
Any help much appreciated and any alterations and tips welcome
Thanks in advance
Stuart