i think the arguments are going to start

[yellow strawberry]

we are doing raised beds down the lotty ,,hubby is going to put them together this weekend,,we are going for no dig beds ,,but i think we are better of digging the ground where we are putting the beds ,,then digging in some compost and blood ,fish and bone (got no manure and think it would be too late now) and then letting them raise naturally over time

hubby on the other hand is planning on filling the beds up with soil and compost (of which we haven't got very much and have had to buy ) then planting,,i think this is going to be very costly way of doing thing and not necessary

any thoughts,,coz once he has an idea in his head its hard to get rid of it

[zazen999]

I'd let them raise over time. What's the rush?

[greendean]

why dont you do half and half and see what the results are. no dig is fine if your soil underneath is ok but if it has been compacted and hard then a little digging will improve things. strictly on the fence tho

[Pumpkin Becki]

Our lottie was new when we took it on, so we took the turf off, turned it upside down and put it back in the bottom of the raised beds once we'd built them. We are on chalky clay, so the soil attached to the turf wasn't much use for starting small plants off in. We took the decision to add compost and manure (as I had a supply at the time). This probably added about 10/12cm depth of soil to each bed, and that's plenty to get most things growing on before they meet with the clay/chalk at the bottom. Potatoes didn't seem to mind as I was earthing them up, and I grew 45cm long parsnips last year, so they didn't mind either!

In summary - I guess it depends what sort of soil you will be building your beds on top of, if its nice and friable you probably don't need to worry, but if its uncultivated like ours you may have to give it a helping hand initially.

[Matt.]

Do both. Definietly dig first time round to help loosen the structure. You'll find it much easier to plant and weed and your plants should grow better. But if you've got the compost/soil add it to the dug over soil. Be warned it takes loads of soil to make any differcence so thats going to cost a lot if you're looking to fill the beds.

[Paulottie]

First build a compost heap for the future, then ask if anybody else gets muck, council compost or mushroom compost delivered at the lottie. Bags are not going to cover it and cost a fortune...think bigger!

sorry but this time hubby is right....Part of no dig/raised bed is heavy mulches and you can't expect high fertility or weed suppression without.

[lez]

Yo Ho been there and it takes a braver man than me to intervene. Good luck.

[lynda66]

even with a no dig system it is always best to dig the ground first, if it is very compacted you could end up with a solid mass at the bottom and no drainage, resulting in the bed being soggy, also you want the compost to mix with the soil that's already there, otherwise you will struggle with growing things deeper than the bed

[yellow strawberry]

i have spoke to hubby ,,and i TOLD him that i will dig the beds first this year then we can practice the no dig approach from then on ,,,thanks for all the replies and advice

[hooraynana]

as someone who did this experiment last year - i would strongly advise digging the existing ground first -
I had three beds where I didn't and they were awful to weed through the season, all manner of weeds ( couch grass especially ) raised their ugly heads and threatened to strangle plants
It is very costly to do it with bought compost - however if you are planning on growing carrots or onions it is brilliant for them, as the consistency of shop bought is much finer than mine ( impatient persons compost )
I have been very lucky as the soil where i am is good and I just sieved a lot of it into beds ( very cheap !!)
good luck with your constructions !

[Snadger]

even with a no dig system it is always best to dig the ground first, if it is very compacted you could end up with a solid mass at the bottom and no drainage, resulting in the bed being soggy, also you want the compost to mix with the soil that's already there, otherwise you will struggle with growing things deeper than the bed

I agree Lynda! I now have no dig beds but the first year I dug the lot! Pain in the wotsit I know, but it pays off in the long run!

[Alison]

I've been digging mine all day today and can really feel it across my shoulders. Have tried to remove as many weeds as possible and gone down 2 spades depth so fingers crossed it should help. Will be picking up some wood at the weekend to build some low raised beds but all that's going on top of the soil is either some manure or compost from home depending on what the crop is going to be. If I could move properly now then I'd think about having a bath before I go out.

[lyndap]

Def dig first year,after that you should be fine with the no dig option.We even did this with my little beds hubby built in the garden after I had to give up the allotment and although hard work the first year it pays dividends.

[susieq100]

I put 3 raised beds in my back garden - on very heavy clay soil - first one I dug (well sort of) the other 2 I just filled with soil and compost - soil I got from mole hill expeditions in the area (black plastic dustbin in the back of the car and a spade - on my way ot work etc stop and put some mole hills in the bin - passing motorists probably thought I was mad,) but mixed with compost it really worked and was a darn sight cheaper than buying topsoil!
I've had some excellent results. Carrots, beans, pototoes, peas all did really well.

[Paulottie]

Did I misread?...yes, of course break up the bottom first....then lots of mulch and let the worms go!