Paving Stone-Raised Beds

[glenrobbo1968]

Hi There,
I am planning to use the 3x2 paving stones from my drive as several raised beds, im thinking of beds approx 12x2x2.
With regards to filling the beds i have been told i can get soil improver free of charge from the recycling centre, along with as much manure (horse or cow) from my parents, will i need to include some top soil into the mixture to balance things out.
any other tips regarding my latest project would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers

[Two_Sheds]

feet or metres?
2 foot wide isn't very big for veggie growing

[bobleponge]

And if its metres, 2m (6ft) maybe a touch wide unless you have Go Go Gadget arms. I think the perceived wisdom is about 4ft wide, as a 2ft stretch is within the reach of most people.
Length really isnt an issue, as long as you want really, mine range from between about 8ft to about 16ft I would guess, and I have a depth of maybe a foot, but turn the soil underneath every year to stop a pan being formed (hard surface underneath the topsoil you've filled with).
One thing I have learned with experience is that I screw the ends into place, so that I can get the rotovator/wheelbarrow in and out without having to lift (mine are wriggly tin constructions).

[bobleponge]

Forgot to add:

When I did my longest bed, I built it, left the end open, and then just filled wheelbarrows with horse manure and straw and dropped them in. I then put topsoil/general purpose compost over the top to a depth of a couple of inches, which filled the bin. I did this in the autumn, and didnt put anything into grow until the late spring by which time it had dropped a bit, as the manure etc rotted down. I then dug it all over, which still showed a fair bit of unrotted straw, covered again with general purpose compost and topsoil to a depth of a couple of inches and planted loads of things, which all grew fine. I didnt grow root veg in there that year though.

[Snadger]

In my neck of the woods these are referred to as 'leek trenches' for some reason. Yes they grow show leeks in them....but trenches?????????

Ideal if you have back troubles as less bending is required. They also absorb the suns rays on the sides so the soil should be warmer allowing you to grow crops that wouldn't do so well in the ground.
Downside, I imagine would be that they would dry out very quickly!

[glenrobbo1968]

Thanks for the advice, looks like i'll have to rethink things a little!!

[ginger ninger]

Don't give up on your idea, I have a raised bed 6' x 4' x 3' I don't have much of a problem with it drying out, It has soil, my own compost, horse poo, and lots of worms in it, and the best thing, I don't have as much trouble with my back now.