Treating soil

matt80 · « **on:** February 29, 2008, 13:54 »

Hi,
I plan on constructing a raised bed or two over the weekend. The soil in has never been treated with any manure or fertilizer. Is it too late to do this (i.e. does the manure need time in the soil before planting)? Or should I just dig some in anyway and plant away?

Thanks!

noshed · « **Reply #1 on:** February 29, 2008, 15:21 »

well-rotted manure will be OK (except if you want to grow carrots) or rotted compost. If you haven't got any use chicken manure pellets or blood, fish and bone. And get your compost heap on the go!

compostqueen · « **Reply #2 on:** February 29, 2008, 15:23 »

the soil might be fertile enough if it's not been used for ages. Adding homemade compost and manures does help the soil structure though so that's a good plan (but not for carrots or parsnips)

matt80 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 29, 2008, 15:46 »

OK thanks alot. Stupid question: why shouldn't I add manure if I want to grow carrots and parsnips (which I do...)?

compostqueen · « **Reply #4 on:** February 29, 2008, 18:03 »

some plants actually prefer poorer soils and will fork if the soil is too rich, eg manured. Carrots and parsnips are a case in point and they are better sown in areas not freshly manured, but should be ok if the bed was manured in previous years. Herbs generally prefer poorer soils too

Plants liking muck are the greedy feeders such as brassicas, beans, peas, sweetcorn, pumpkins, squashes, courgettes.

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