[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

Hi Guys,

I recently took on a new plot, and there were some full compost bins that hadn't been used/emptied in about 5 years, so about a month ago I dug them over and took out anything bad including tons of bindweed root and added it to my raised beds.

Now a few weeks have passed and the soil/compost in the raised beds are really loose and dry and crispy, and I am worried that anything that goes in will just flop over and not stand up.

Brassicas are definately a no go.

Is this common, and what can I add to sort this problem out?

[Trikidiki]

Add some clay. 

[Trikidiki]

A lot of people would give their eye teeth for loose soil.

I would suggest staking anything you think may become too top heavy but most plants will balance their tops to their roots so hopefully it won't be a big issue. Get yourself a few packets of split canes and a ball of twine to have on stand-by. Was there any plants in particular you were worried about?

I am on sand and have raised beds so very light/loose soil. I have grown a few broccoli in the past but don't use a lot of brassicas. I usually grow a couple of brussels just for Christmas and tread these in and they seem to do ok.

[brokenglass]

I plant brassicas in my "loose" soil every year and they do well.     I have spent many hours trying to loosen the soil from it's previous compacted Clay, acid wet condition.   I do press the brassicas in firmly when planting and they are placed in a small depression to ensure they receive enough water but keep the soil loose through hoeing and never have a problem with them blowing over etc.

[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

OK, excellent, thanks.