Manure

[Verminer]

Hello all, i am new to all this allotment stuff, but i have just put my allotment down to raised beds,(not because i wanted to but someone gave me tons of 2 by 6 wood and i never say no to anything). i have now filled the beds with manure which i trenched? in, this has brought the earth up to the top of the wood. What i want to know is how long will it be before the manure rots and the soil level drops down. also will i be able to plant spuds in the ground next year.

[GardenFan]

If you leave it over winter it will be ready for spring planting your spuds. The level will drop down over then as the worms get to work. You might want to consider covering the bed over in autum to help maintain soil temp (and the breakdown process) a little longer. This will also help keep down any weeds that might have been carried in the manure.

[sewer rat]

Verminer
Welcome to the 'Vine and yes, your spuds should thrive in heavily manured beds as they are very hungry plants, whereas other veg may not do quite so well - try searching the vine for threads on crop rotation - Geordie has some great advice, so if you search for "How to" and scan through the How to by Geordie advice , all your q's will be a'd.

[nick the grief]

Hi Verminer, welcoem to the Vine.

Not only will your spuds be OK your Onions & beans will as well. Unfortunately the Carrots & parsnips won'y s you might have to grow them in some big tubs unless you've got some timber left in which case :-

1)Make a bottomless box about 18" - 2ft high,

2)Fill will sieved soil (to get the boulders out) mixed with some sharp sand

&

3)Grow you carrots & parsnips in this you can make a fleece cover for it too to keep the carrot fly at bay.

[Verminer]

ok and thanks for the advice