[compoQ]

I'm about to build my raised beds and wanted to know what type of soil is best to get in. I was thinking about buying in 5ton of top soil and 3 ton of manure then to mix it.

I'd appreciate any help on what's best before i commit to anything.

Thanks for taking time to read this

[SG6]

Not really a hard and fast rule for soil mixes unless it is for something that has specialist needs. Acid loving plants being the obvious.

I would probably have added some sand or course grit for drainage but that is about all. Also think that grit stabilises the soil mixture. The top soil may incorporate some in it, depends on the source. So could be unnecessary.

The bed I have is composted of soil and half bags of just about everything possible, soil, compost, bark chips, sand, soil improver, manure, leaves, pine needles, inorganic fertiliser, chicken pellets and whatever I have put through the shredder that has come out small enough, you name it and it is probably in there, OK not cats and not people before someone rings the police . Grows most things pretty good. I can also dig down to the base with a hand trowel now.

Good luck mixing 8 ton of whatever.

[viettaclark]

My raised bed soil is beginning to look lovely too. Dark and crumbly, easy to dig (with hands even!) and it certainly produces good crops.
I've been adding my own compost, manure, leaf mould and top soil with fbb when needed. I'm sure it's the chicken poo in the compost that's the secret ingredient....

[Trillium]

Be cautious with the topsoil you want to buy as often it's only short of rubbish stuff. The best to get, if available is triple mix, a blend of loam, compost and composted manure, and you'll have to keep adding manure every year to keep up the fertility.

[Elcie]

One thing to be aware of is that you don't need to fill your raised beds all the way to the top.  Leave yourself some room so that you can add manure/compost over the years to improve the soil each season.

[digalotty]

if you intend to plant straight away i would think that the manure would need to be well rotted