Depth of soil when using a builders bag

[Jonny.D]

I've used these bags to store finished compost in and I've noticed that the compost is drier than the stuff left in the bins so that's something you would need to keep an eye on, especially if they are in a position that is exposed to wind and the sun.

[Dalrimple]

Dal. did the way you held the bags in place stop them spreading out?
And thanks for the comments Folks[/QUOTE]

yes the stakes have held the bags square ,I used stakes that where about 2inch thick oak ,ash and cherry from a site that's going to be built on when the market for housing improves (been 6yrs so far) so plenty of saplins growing.
Jonny as I said I grow through the black plastic and have had no problems watering once they get going ,,,,But last year and this one has been rather damp up here in the Norf. atb Dal

[BUFFS]

I'd probably go with minimum of 12" .
But if you can make a frame for the bag, I'd fill it to the top. So you can save the knees and back when you're weeding, planting and harvesting.

I too would make a frame round it, I have my raised beds at two feet high, on three foot of topsoil, makes for magic parsnips, and no bending...more magic..

[rary]

Be aware the do perish and you will get holes in them, they are not a permanent solution.

As burnie says they do succumb to the effects of UV damage and break down. You can then end up with countless strands of varying lengths of plastic contaminating the plot.
I think you would be good for 2-3 years before some notable degradation occures. If you can replace them every couple of years

I have started to empty my raised bed, got about quarter of the soil out, but having serious problems with the tree roots, which of course is the reason for using the bags, ad both Burnie and ESB have pointed out they start to degrade after about two years if it is UV degradation, if I put a solid fence using pallet strapping in front of them would that stop them disintegrating?

[veggiechicken]

If you want an extra few years of life (for the bags not you) you could put one inside another - making it twin wall. Since they're free you can afford to double them up

[rary]

Sit down please VC, I have something to tell you,,,,,,,, I bought five new bags.
And Buffs, I don't have a problem bending, its straightening up the difficulty is with

[veggiechicken]

[rary]

I have started filling my bags I also intend to collect seaweed for them if I have seaweed whats the best way to use it, 1/ mix it through the bag as I fill it, 2/ put a layer of seaweed in the bag then cover with 5 or 6 ins of soil, 3/ put a good layer over the soil once its filled ?