Preparing beds for next Spring

[KarenJ]

I have noticed on a neighbouring allotment that empty beds have a layer of cardboard covered with what looks like manure. I've made some enquiries and can get hold of 6 month old manure from a local stables. Is this a good way to prepare beds to be used next Spring? Is 6 month old manure well rotted enough? I would expect with the cardboard aswell this will suppress the weeds? Any advice is much appreciated.


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[Bigmallly]

Is the manure 6 months old now. If so by the time you come to plant in it next year it will be perfect. If it's fresh now then it still IMO should be ok to plant into come spring. You are right in stating that cardboard is used to suppress the weeds. You can also use layers of newspaper (non-glossy) if you can't get hold of cardboard.

[jimslad]

I do it all the time , works well for me .

[KarenJ]

Thank you. I shall give it a go.


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[princess_potter]

I have been advised to do the same from my neighbours in my new plot so will be giving it a go too.

[Kristen]

Not sure I would bother with the cardboard, but I put a good layer of manure on all my plots, except the one that will ave Roots (Carrots / Parsnips) next year (and for the plot with Beans you might prefer to dig a trench and fill that with manure / whatever instead of a surface dressing).

During the winter the worms incorporate some of the manure, and come the spring I plant-through what ever is left

[jimslad]

Not sure I would bother with the cardboard, but I put a good layer of manure on all my plots, except the one that will ave Roots (Carrots / Parsnips) next year (and for the plot with Beans you might prefer to dig a trench and fill that with manure / whatever instead of a surface dressing).

During the winter the worms incorporate some of the manure, and come the spring I plant-through what ever is left

Why do you think the cardboard is a waste of time ? I'm always learning ,and willing to learn .

[Greenleaves]

The cardboard is to stop light getting to the weeds, I like Kristen use a good thick layer of manure so that blocks the light as well as adding to the soil.

[Kristen]

Cardboard will start rotting down over the winter (more especially if "under ground" due to mulch)

Cardboard stops the mulch being drawn into the ground (until it starts to break down)

In a decent winter there will be zero, or very little, weed growth - so nothing that needs suppressing.

I would prefer to cover the ground [with cardboard] in early Spring, just before the weeds start to grow.

Covering then will mean that the cardboard will suppress weeds for longer

Others may have different views though?

[jimslad]

Cheers I like to hear what others are up to , that's what makes it interesting .