Covering gravel with compost

[Cosmo and Dibs]

Hiya,

I have a large raised bed made out of bricks. It was built by a previous owner of the house. It is just full of gravel at the moment - but underneath the 3 inches or so of gravel is the soil.

I have tried to dig out as much of the gravel as possible but it is a big job - one which we are not really able to do.

The gravel sits about 4 inches below the rim of the bed. I am considering scooping out as much gravel as possible and then placing several bags of good quality compost, topsoil and garden compost on top of the gravel and mixing it all together.

This way, I figure, the gravel will be 'diluted' and hopefully put a good amount of thet level of compost in touch with the underlying soil. I am intending it to be a herb bed, so the gravel may aid drainage.

What do you think my chances of success are?

[Guest]

You could just plant through it. Planting herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, winter savoury, lavender etc. which prefer dryer warmer conditions. Leaving the gravel as a mulch.

Have you already decided what herbs you would like?
Also you say gravel - is it pea size gravel or larger?

[Cosmo and Dibs]

'

Hi Norfolkgrey,

Thanks for the reply.

The gravel is a large stone. I could plant directly into it and add extra compost to the planting hole. I would like to sow into it directly too, in the summer.

Best thing is to just try!