[earthing83]

Hi everyone, I am new here and new to growing my own veg this year. I have just built my raised beds and have forked over the soil. I am due to pick up some well rotted horse manure, buy some compost and more topsoil if needed. I have no idea how much manure to add, how to add it (layer on top or dig in) and what type of compost to buy. My current soil read a 6 on my ph test which I think means it's ok for veg.
Any advice about any of the above would be greatly appreciated. I want my seedlings to get off to the best start.
Thanks in advance!

[peapod]

Hi earthing and welcome (pop on over to the Welcome Forum so we can all say howdy)

It depends on what seedlings you want advice on regarding the ph level, some like liming, (brassicas) some dont, but generally a good ph is 6 to 6.5 for veggies so you are doing OK. As long as it IS well rotted then a 2inch manure layer can be dug in now, but not where your roots crops will taking up residence over the next few months. Fertilizers differ in what they offer, but you cant go wrong with chicken pellets and BFB if you can get it (a handful per metre). Ordinary multi-purpose compost will be fine if you are manuring/fertilising and top soil although not great for nutrients can build up the bed height.

[Mr McGregor]

Hi earthing
For my recently made beds, I've added a mix of topsoil, homemade compost and some peat free compost. Put in some early peas a while back and they are now showing.

I've got some horse manure which is very fresh, I plan to lay this on top of the beds at the end of the growing season, hopefully the worms will pull this down into the bed over winter.

[earthing83]

Many thanks to you both. I am really excited now as this weekend the beds will be finished, filled and ready for sowing next weekend. I will avoid adding manure to the rooting veg bed and get hold of some fertilizers too.
good luck with all your seedlings!

[peapod]

Good luck with yours!

And dont forget pics of your veg..its the LAW!