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Extra soil

Jason CookJason Cook Posts: 139
in Fruit & veg
Hi, I'm thinking of formalising my veg patch in to a raised bed over the winter. I'll some more soil to fill it up after this, but I'm worried what might be in it. No idea where to order it from, I know you can get treated/heated soil... Is this ok, or could i be bringing viruses and disease in? My existing soil seems pretty good, so don't to contaminate it. Any tips gratefully received. JC

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,800

    How much deeper will it be?  

    If you have good soil in your veg patch I think I'd buy in good quality organic farmyard manure to  raise the level - spread it over the raised bed area for the winter and let the weather and the worms incorporate it all.  It'll be fantastic by the spring image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Jason CookJason Cook Posts: 139
    Oh right, so don't get soil just manure. Will it break down ok over one winter?



    Not sure about depth yet, I guess about 6-8 inches, does that sound excessive?



    Thanks for the reply in the chilli post as well by the way ????
  • Jason CookJason Cook Posts: 139
    Don't know how those question marks ended up there, think smiley went wrong. Please ignore (smiley would go here)
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,800

    If you've got good soil in your plot you don't really need to add much depth - just as you say, formalise the edges and neaten things up.  I'd say an additional 4 to 6 inches would be plenty. image

    If you get well rotted manure it'll break down quickly - you can fork it in a bit when you spread it and then fork it over again in the late winter early springtime, bringing up the soil to the surface, and it'll be fine to sow and plant in next season.  You can also incorporate some well rotted garden compost and leaf mould if you've got any image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Jason CookJason Cook Posts: 139
    Thanks Dove,



    Do I need to worry about weed seeds in it?



    Jason
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,800

    There will be some weed seeds - you can't avoid them.  As soon as you see little seedlings just use a sharp hoe.  In the spring you'll need to do this quite often. 

    As long as you sow your veg seeds in straight lines and mark the rows you'll be able to tell which are weed seedlings and which are your veg. 

    image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Jason CookJason Cook Posts: 139
    Thanks Dove, will look I to acquiring some manure. There's actually a horse field behind my house so I may not have to look far.
  • Zoomer44Zoomer44 Posts: 3,267

    If you get muck from the person who owns the horses and get the opportunity to bag it yourself from a pile, take the top 6 inches off or try to take muck from the middle of the pile, there's less chance of you contaminating your bed with weed seeds then.

    The heat from the middle of the pile may have killed them and seeds in the top few inches are usually blown there on the windimage   

  • Jason CookJason Cook Posts: 139
    Thanks Zoomer, will do.
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