Few question for preparation of garden...

[deltz]

Hey guys I've been out in my small garden for the first time in a looong time and started preparing the garden abit but have a few questions!

1. Ive got a patch about 11 ft by 8 inches and about 8 inches deep. I was thinking this year of raising the patch by using planks of wood. Any idea of what wood and how much I should raise the patch by?

2. Alot of the patch is compost, I think almost too much and dries out pretty quick, what could I use to increase the water retention?

3. Does anyone know a nice slow organic fertilizer?

4. There was a pot with soil and was pretty much drowned in water and when I tipped it into my patch it really stank (think it was anerobic) would this have major effect on the soil?

5. What should I do with the soil in the pots to improve them? (Growing tomatoes in same pots again)

Many many thanks in advanced!

[reetnproper]

1. Ive got a patch about 11 ft by 8 inches and about 8 inches deep. I was thinking this year of raising the patch by using planks of wood. Any idea of what wood and how much I should raise the patch by?

We used railway sleepers to form most of our beds but be careful where you source these from, if you get reclaimed ones, as you don't want ones with creosote coating, as these are now not allowed to be sold. For the actual raised beds, we used 6x1 gravel boards and these work a treat and are relatively cheap as well, sourced from a local timber mill.

2. Alot of the patch is compost, I think almost too much and dries out pretty quick, what could I use to increase the water retention?

I'd suggest digging a good quality topsoil into them which can be obtained from your local garden centre, either by the bag OR by the truck load.

5. What should I do with the soil in the pots to improve them? (Growing tomatoes in same pots again)

I'd suggest emptying them out and refilling with fresh compost.

HTH
Reet
x

[Kristen]

1. Ive got a patch about 11 ft by 8 inches and about 8 inches deep. I was thinking this year of raising the patch by using planks of wood. Any idea of what wood and how much I should raise the patch by?

Is this against the house? If so be careful raising it up that the soil level is not above the damp-proof-course (if so line between border and wall with plastic or similar)

"2. Alot of the patch is compost, I think almost too much and dries out pretty quick, what could I use to increase the water retention?"

You could try the water retaining gel that is sold for tubs and hanging baskets. Make sure you put it reasonably deep - if its on the surface it fluffs up when it gets wet and the birds nick it!

"3. Does anyone know a nice slow organic fertilizer?"

I use what I call "hundreds and thousands" - again, a fertilizer for tubs and hanging baskets - but it isn't organic. Blood, Fish and Bone perhaps?

"There was a pot with soil and was pretty much drowned in water and when I tipped it into my patch it really stank (think it was anerobic) would this have major effect on the soil?"

I would expect the soil that was in the pot to sort itself out after it has been exposed to the air for a bit - the anaerobic bugs won't survive in the presence of oxygen

"5. What should I do with the soil in the pots to improve them? (Growing tomatoes in same pots again)"

I would use multi-purpose compost, or buy a growbag and use the contents in the pots. (My choice would be based on whichever was cheapest PER LITRE.

[Dottie]

[QUOTE"2. Alot of the patch is compost, I think almost too much and dries out pretty quick, what could I use to increase the water retention?"

You could try the water retaining gel that is sold for tubs and hanging baskets. Make sure you put it reasonably deep - if its on the surface it fluffs up when it gets wet and the birds nick it!

I'd be thinking in terms of adding more texture, straw manure, shredded newspapers and leaf mulch. Also if the patch of compost is what you have added on top, then dig it to soil below. Compost on the surface is great as a mulch, but as your finding, it can dry out easily.

"3. Does anyone know a nice slow organic fertilizer?"

I use what I call "hundreds and thousands" - again, a fertilizer for tubs and hanging baskets - but it isn't organic. Blood, Fish and Bone perhaps?

I'd have thought Blood, Fish and Bone was the organic option.

[Kristen]

I'd be thinking in terms of adding more texture, straw manure, shredded newspapers and leaf mulch.

My thinking was that if "Alot of the patch is compost, I think almost too much" then that should be retaining moisture easily enough, and perhaps the problem is that its dry because it is next to a wall, and a very narrow space, and thus more like a potted plant than a border? (as its only 8" wide and 8" deep)

[Dottie]

My thinking was that if "Alot of the patch is compost, I think almost too much" then that should be retaining moisture easily enough, and perhaps the problem is that its dry because it is next to a wall, and a very narrow space, and thus more like a potted plant than a border? (as its only 8" wide and 8" deep)

Yeah, as I was adding to other comments, then I'd forgotten/not noted the tiny strip. Even if it's not near the house, such a slim strip is going to dry out quickly. So I'd agree with an earlier suggestion, and treat the area like a container, needing lots attention and watering.

[Patchninja]

As to your pot being water-logged and stinky, that would suggest that it isn't draining properly. Check out the drainage holes!

[deltz]

Cant thank you guys enough for the replies! Will be keeping everyone up to date with all I do!