What can I grow in these beds?

[Glutton4...]

The growing medium in two of my new raised beds is made up of layers of rotted stable manure, grass mowings, ash and chicken coop manure, which is straw and shavings mixed with the poo. The chicken coop manure is a recent addition, and has not yet started to rot.

I know they're not really ready to use, but I'm becoming impatient at the wasted space, and am keen to put something in them if I can. Any suggestions - or should I wait for the mixture to rot?

Cheers in advance!

[Jeanied]

Sounds rich enough for squashes, pumpkins and melons to me, G4

[Glutton4...]

Sounds rich enough for squashes, pumpkins and melons to me, G4

Really!??? I've got loads of Squash/Pumpkin/Melon seeds!!!!!

[Two_Sheds]

am I right in thinking it's unrotted wood shavings in the bed?

Can't you scrape them out into a compost heap, then you can use your bed?

[chris]

parnsips? :P :P :P

[oldie]

Only if you want to grow very odd shaped ones!

[piskieinboots]

parnsips? :P :P :P

oooh you beat me to it

[Glutton4...]

am I right in thinking it's unrotted wood shavings in the bed?

Can't you scrape them out into a compost heap, then you can use your bed?

It's all mixed in. The plan was to get all 4 beds ready for this year, but I was a little too ambitious. It's only after realizing I wouldn't have them ready for this year, that I started to wonder if there was any way I could grow anything in them. I need a place for squashes, this year, but also have loads of beans.

parnsips? :P :P :P

Yes, thanks for that - I should have guessed....

[Jeanied]

If you are in any doubt, G4, plant your squashes in a pocket of something good from a bag. Or you could try a two sisters bed - sweetcorn and squashes underneath - those always work for me. I've not had much success with the three sisters though.

[Glutton4...]

Great idea - got Sweetcorn on the go too. Two different types though - a red and a white. Don't I need to plant them away from each other?

[Jeanied]

You won't need to separate sweetcorn if you just want to eat it, G4. If you are intending to save seeds then yes - you have to keep one well away from other sweetcorn - and the pollen is wind distributed so it is a bit of a tricky proposition.