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  • #1

    Filling new raised beds, best/most economical mix

    Two out of 4 of my new beds need some 'filling' and I'm going to get it from our allotment shop, just wondering what you'd advise, it is going be a bit costly. Have just put a layer of chippings in the bottom (free supply)

    Multipurpose compost Clover. - 75 lts. - £4.80. (Sale price)
    " " Tunstall. - 60lts. - £3.60
    Organic compost (soil improver) - 60 lts. - £3.20
    Horse manure blended - 40 lts. - £3.00
    Topsoil - 25 lts. £2.00 (seems. Like too small a bag

    Wondered about adding some grit, £2.90). sand,£2.90), or vermiculite, perlite( 70p)



    Am thinking of going for the largest size MP + ?


    The allotment shop opens on our site just once a month starting next Sat, so want ask Paul 'allotment man' to load some for me, cos prob too heavy for me to carry and get in/ out car.


    Any advice please?
    DottyR
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  • #2
    I'd be inclined to empty the compost bins into the bottoms and top them up with the ingredient that you have listed do you not have any spent compost used in the greenhouse?


    Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum
    In the following link you can follow my recent progress on the plot

    https://www.youtube.com/user/darcyvuqua?feature=watch

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    • #3
      No greenhouse Darcy, sadly, and I've already emptied by compost bins onto other beds, they are filling up again, but not sufficient, so have to buy.
      DottyR

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Dorothy rouse View Post
        No greenhouse Darcy, sadly, and I've already emptied by compost bins onto other beds, they are filling up again, but not sufficient, so have to buy.
        xxx


        Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum
        In the following link you can follow my recent progress on the plot

        https://www.youtube.com/user/darcyvuqua?feature=watch

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        • #5
          Can you not source a couple of bags of manure from a local stables...............freebie.
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          • #6
            It would be 'fresh' then wouldn't it, and I'd have to wait some time for it to 'rot' down? Maybe a bag or two for another area of plot, for squashes/ courgettes might be ok.

            We used to have 'fresh manure ' delivered to our posts, but this no longer happens, don't know why.

            So to start with I'm going to be purchasing this year, will top up with home made compost, when more is ready, in few months time.
            DottyR

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            • #7
              If you are filling new raised beds from empty then on the bottom few inches i would use cardboard newspaper leaves and half made compost, straw, recently deceased relatives etc. In fact anything that will retain moisture
              photo album of my garden in my profile http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...my+garden.html

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              • #8
                Originally posted by Bill HH View Post
                If you are filling new raised beds from empty then on the bottom few inches i would use cardboard newspaper leaves and half made compost, straw, recently deceased relatives etc. In fact anything that will retain moisture
                Yes thanks, I have already put some wood chippings that we get free on site, underneath that was some under ready compost, as for relatives, I'll go and search for a few!

                Thanks Mr Bill.
                DottyR

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Dorothy rouse View Post
                  It would be 'fresh' then wouldn't it, and I'd have to wait some time for it to 'rot' down? Maybe a bag or two for another area of plot, for squashes/ courgettes might be ok.
                  Get some in now. Get it covered up with a bit of soil./compost. It'll reduce the volume of stuff you have to spend £££ on.
                  It's only February. You can plant into the soil bit over the next few months and it'll be breaking down nicely.
                  Get some bark chip in the bottom too.

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Dorothy rouse View Post
                    Yes thanks, I have already put some wood chippings that we get free on site, underneath that was some under ready compost, as for relatives, I'll go and search for a few!

                    Thanks Mr Bill.
                    Dotty,

                    You could charge for the disposal as well - that would give you enough money to buy in plenty of compost.
                    Endeavour to have lived, so that when you die, even the undertaker will be sorry - Puddinghead Wilson's Diary

                    Nutter by Nature

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                    • #11
                      You could also name each bed after the particular relative.

                      Another good filler for the bottom of beds if woolen clothing (although it might encourage Knits)
                      You could also kill two birds with one stone and dress the deceased in wool.

                      I agree with Alldigging, get the horse muck in now as long as its in the lower levels it will soon rot down and may also provide some bottom heat.
                      photo album of my garden in my profile http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...my+garden.html

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                      • #12
                        Thankyou, will see what I can find , not too many relatives left, so may want to hang on to them!

                        But having chucked in there what I can, is the multi purpose compost,the 75 ltrs pack best option ?
                        DottyR

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                        • #13
                          Dunno how much does it work out a tonne? And can you buy a tonne of top soil for less?

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                          • #14
                            Get on the A2 Dorothy,nip along to Bexley & get as many bags of well rotted as you want for free .... http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ml#post1195576
                            He who smiles in the face of adversity,has already decided who to blame

                            Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

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                            • #15
                              Ok, BB, might send Mr, he has big car, mine is only Ickle ! I'll tell him we are going to look at some horses!
                              DottyR

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