Filling new raised beds, best/most economical mix

[Dorothy rouse]

Two out of 4 of my new beds need some 'filling' and I'm going to get it from our allotment shop, just wondering what you'd advise, it is going be a bit costly. Have just put a layer of chippings in the bottom (free supply)

Multipurpose compost Clover. - 75 lts. - £4.80. (Sale price)
" " Tunstall. - 60lts. - £3.60
Organic compost (soil improver) - 60 lts. - £3.20
Horse manure blended - 40 lts. - £3.00
Topsoil - 25 lts. £2.00 (seems. Like too small a bag

Wondered about adding some grit, £2.90). sand,£2.90), or vermiculite, perlite( 70p)



Am thinking of going for the largest size MP + ?


The allotment shop opens on our site just once a month starting next Sat, so want ask Paul 'allotment man' to load some for me, cos prob too heavy for me to carry and get in/ out car.


Any advice please?

[darcyvuqua]

I'd be inclined to empty the compost bins into the bottoms and top them up with the ingredient that you have listed do you not have any spent compost used in the greenhouse?


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[Dorothy rouse]

No greenhouse Darcy, sadly, and I've already emptied by compost bins onto other beds, they are filling up again, but not sufficient, so have to buy.

[darcyvuqua]

No greenhouse Darcy, sadly, and I've already emptied by compost bins onto other beds, they are filling up again, but not sufficient, so have to buy.

xxx


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[Bigmallly]

Can you not source a couple of bags of manure from a local stables...............freebie.

[Dorothy rouse]

It would be 'fresh' then wouldn't it, and I'd have to wait some time for it to 'rot' down? Maybe a bag or two for another area of plot, for squashes/ courgettes might be ok.

We used to have 'fresh manure ' delivered to our posts, but this no longer happens, don't know why.

So to start with I'm going to be purchasing this year, will top up with home made compost, when more is ready, in few months time.

[Bill HH]

If you are filling new raised beds from empty then on the bottom few inches i would use cardboard newspaper leaves and half made compost, straw, recently deceased relatives etc. In fact anything that will retain moisture

[Dorothy rouse]

If you are filling new raised beds from empty then on the bottom few inches i would use cardboard newspaper leaves and half made compost, straw, recently deceased relatives etc. In fact anything that will retain moisture

Yes thanks, I have already put some wood chippings that we get free on site, underneath that was some under ready compost, as for relatives, I'll go and search for a few!

Thanks Mr Bill.

[alldigging]

It would be 'fresh' then wouldn't it, and I'd have to wait some time for it to 'rot' down? Maybe a bag or two for another area of plot, for squashes/ courgettes might be ok.

Get some in now. Get it covered up with a bit of soil./compost. It'll reduce the volume of stuff you have to spend £££ on.
It's only February. You can plant into the soil bit over the next few months and it'll be breaking down nicely.
Get some bark chip in the bottom too.

[Sheneval]

Yes thanks, I have already put some wood chippings that we get free on site, underneath that was some under ready compost, as for relatives, I'll go and search for a few!

Thanks Mr Bill.

Dotty,

You could charge for the disposal as well - that would give you enough money to buy in plenty of compost.

[Bill HH]

You could also name each bed after the particular relative.

Another good filler for the bottom of beds if woolen clothing (although it might encourage Knits)
You could also kill two birds with one stone and dress the deceased in wool.

I agree with Alldigging, get the horse muck in now as long as its in the lower levels it will soon rot down and may also provide some bottom heat.

[Dorothy rouse]

Thankyou, will see what I can find , not too many relatives left, so may want to hang on to them!

But having chucked in there what I can, is the multi purpose compost,the 75 ltrs pack best option ?

[alldigging]

Dunno how much does it work out a tonne? And can you buy a tonne of top soil for less?

[bearded bloke]

Get on the A2 Dorothy,nip along to Bexley & get as many bags of well rotted as you want for free .... http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ml#post1195576

[Dorothy rouse]

Ok, BB, might send Mr, he has big car, mine is only Ickle ! I'll tell him we are going to look at some horses!