Add turf and topsoil to raised beds?

[ugley_matt]

We helped out neighbour dig a pond out and i asked for the turf and top soil. I have some raised beds which i had added compost to and wondered if it would be worth, digging trenches, putting the turf upside down in the bottom, covering and adding the top soil to the compost to raise the height of the soil. I Also have more garden compost that i could add at the same time.

This seems like a good plan to me, am i overlooking anything?

[Kristen]

You could just stack the turf, face down, and let it rot for a year or so, it will make lovely loam ... but ... if you won't then have a specific use for the loam trench-digging it into/under your raised beds will add good moisture retention courtesy of the rotting turf

[Kirk]

My raised bed gets anything and everything in it, just so long as it is a sensible (OK half sensible) option.

[Mark Lottie]

sounds like a good idea, ive done similar before

[ugley_matt]

Thanks, we took the turf off and the first 6 inches or so and put that to one side, then the rest was heavy clay and builders rubble. We we kept the nice looking stuff. My raised beds use gravel boards and the level is about half way up so would top them nicely.

Thanks for the help, least i know that if i do the effort of digging it next weekend it will not be in vain.

[Kristen]

If you are going to trench-dig the beds, and it hasn't been done before / recently, if it were me I would also loosen the subsoil below, with a fork, and chuck some manure / similar in the bottom to improve the lower level. Depends how much energy, and manure, you have