Raised Beds

[Shroomy]

I dont know if this is just my problem , but i have a couple of raised beds in my front garden that have been in place for a couple of years but with all this rain we have had the soil level has dropped by over half. Does anybody else have this trouble ?

[Dorothy rouse]

Yes, I have a couple on plot, they have stuff growing in them, though, leeks onions and garlic, so can't top up very easily yet, but will top up with compost when possible.

[kathyd]

The soil in our raised beds seems to drop a bit every year regardless of the weather - I suppose you lose some when you dig things up, apart from 'natural wastage'. I've started putting more organic mulches on mine now, hoping they'll provide a bit of extra bulk as they rot down - and also feed the bed a bit of course. And I'll also top up with soily compost when the weather improves, it's a bit wet at the moment! Lol

[Bill HH]

When you make compost the level drops as the plants rot down, this process continues in your raised bed, its a good thing because it gives you chance to top up with fresh compost. You could slow this down by using a percentage of good top soil instead of compost.

[Currysniffa]

You have top raised beds up now and again. I used to have a plot where all my beds were raised so I used to like to top them off in the winter with manure, compost form my lottle or mushroom compost. If your going to keep taking stuff out the bed you have to put something back if you know what I mean.

[Veggielot]

All mine drop a bit each year. Look on it as an opportunity to add addition nutrients by topping up with some home made compost and manure.

[Shroomy]

I understand that they will drop a bit and do top up it was the fact in the last 3 months they have dropped by over half but as you say will fill with veggi peelings and stuff just a pain of so much loss thanks all for your replies

[Bill HH]

It sounds to me that you used a lot of shop bought multi purpose compost and that will sink and reduce alarmingly, try mixing things up a bit, some top soil, some home made compost etc.

[nannychicken]

Yes - same here. I'm planning to top mine up when the rain stops .....with farmyard or stable manure from Wyevale. Any ideas about which would be best?