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  • #1

    Growing in a compost bin

    I know this sounds a bit strange but I just wonder what you think?

    I have a really bad back and keeping on top of my 3 beds is just becoming impossible they are edged with sleepers but I still need to get on my hands and knees to do anything in them. Digging them over is now off the plan altogether so....

    I can either give them up completely or look for something higher which involves less bending. II realky need something waiste height but I can't justify the cost to do all 3 beds in this way with the trugs plus they are not deep enough as i tend to go away a bit so need good water retention.

    My question is...I have seen some slatted wooden compost bins for about 30 quid each. I would be able to fit 2 bins per bed - 6in total. They stand about the right height for me. If I lined these with a decent plastic liner is there any reason why they won't suffice for my veggies. I don't do any brassicas so nothing too tall except broad beans and French beans but I think I could still manage them. The other plus side is that my soil is heavy clay so it would be nice to grow in good soil though I realise it will be an expense to start with.

    Any thoughts? Thank you
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  • #2
    I shouldnt see why not, I buile my raised beds for about £35, look for a timeber yard near you, you can usually get a lat for £1. I didnt line my beds they are just full of rubble and soil a certain point, then about 2-3 foot of compost and i just add to it every year. Mine is at waist height too as I use it as a fence.
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    • #3
      Seems reasonable.

      Also consider dwarf varieties for the beans if you are concerned about them getting too high in waist high beds

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      • #4
        Are you up to making any yourself out of pallets, you can usually pick them up for next to nowt then the cash you save can go towards filling them.
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        • #5
          Thank you. I am not sure I can manage to build my own and hubby has got enough to do so I thought the kits might be a bit easyer to put together. I would prefer built ones and they wouldn't need liners like you say but the soil might fall out of the slatted ones if I don't line them. I did see a pic of one with straw pushed between the gaps but I am not sure that would be any better.

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          • #6
            What do you want to grow?
            Maybe there's a way to grow in containers that are on top of a raised "bench".
            You'll need a lot of soil to fill "beds" to waist height.

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            • #7
              Yes I was thinking of dwarf beans and/ or maybe even square foot gardening. Thanks guys I think I might get two and see how it goes. It will certainly be cheaper than the osteopath haha. Much appreciate your comments

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              • #8
                Yes they will take a lot of soil which is the downside. I thought I might layer them with some other bits as well rocks, cardboard grass cuttings ?
                Last edited by Bottomdollar; 17-11-2015, 11:25 PM. Reason: Spelling

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                • #9
                  Just had a look and there are loads of pallets around for a quid or so Bigmallly so having checked out the price of soil I think I need to speak to hubby about your suggestion of building our own. Thanks

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                  • #10
                    Is there a good weather seal paint that would strengthen the wood? I'm worried about the height & weight of the soil when wet? It would help if it was on a bench/brickwork to lessen the amount of soil needed?
                    Location : Essex

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                    • #11
                      My raised bed is 3 railway sleepers high - so not quite waist high, but near enough. We lined it (as the sleepers were treated), filled 25% with large stones, 25% with gravel and the rest with compost - didnt actually cost us as much as we expected - The big bags from B&Q are usually 2 for £6 and off the top of my head we used 4 (for 3m x 1m bed). I just top up with more compost as and when needed.

                      In terms of the actual growing I dont see why you would have any issues. Should be more than enough depth for roots at that height!

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