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Place compost atop this dug bed or dig in?

johnnypenstemonjohnnypenstemon Posts: 120
in Problem solving
Hi all, I am rejuvenating a small communal bed for the enjoyment of neighbours (and wildlife!). I’ve dug it through to remove some builders’ rubble, and would like to add some nourishment to the soil before I plant. I'm thinking of adding multipurpose compost, but I am unsure as to whether to lay this on top, or fork it through. There weren’t many worms in evidence when digging. Mercifully, the site is clear of perennial weeds. Any advice gratefully received. Thanks, Johnny.




Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I would spread a good layer of compost over the whole surface, plant through t and water well.  The compost will mix in with the soil as you make the planting holes.  I would then finish with another layer of compost over the whole bed to keep in the moisture after watering and make it all look homogenous.  The worms will have a fine time working it in for you and it will be easier to hoe off any unwanted weeds that pop up..
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • SlumSlum Posts: 385
    That's very neighborly Johnny. It is going to look great  B)

    I've no advice other than I'd do it just as Obelixx suggests. Remember to water everything in really well before the final mulching. 

    I find multi-purpose compost can be a bit lightweight for final mulching so I perhaps would opt for something like well rotted manure or bark chips.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    There no long term goodness in MPC so you may like to mix in a few handfuls of bone meal with bought compost. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I use MPC as a soil conditioner but always add pelleted chicken manure or blood fish and bone if I need to add fertiliser.   Even good composts only have feed for 90 days or so and need topping up after that.   

    As for mulching with chipped bark, I would only do that once all the planting is finished and the final layers of compost have gone on.  Then the chipped bark can go on in a  good, thick layer to block light to any weed seeds and only after a good drenching.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • johnnypenstemonjohnnypenstemon Posts: 120
    Obelixx said:
    I would spread a good layer of compost over the whole surface, plant through t and water well.  The compost will mix in with the soil as you make the planting holes.  I would then finish with another layer of compost over the whole bed to keep in the moisture after watering and make it all look homogenous.  The worms will have a fine time working it in for you and it will be easier to hoe off any unwanted weeds that pop up..
    Many thanks for your responses Obelixx, I'll adopt this method principally.

    Lyn said:
    There no long term goodness in MPC so you may like to mix in a few handfuls of bone meal with bought compost. 
    Thanks Lyn, I'll be doing this or blood, fish and bone as Obelix mentions, or similar.

    Slum said:
    I find multi-purpose compost can be a bit lightweight for final mulching so I perhaps would opt for something like well rotted manure or bark chips.
    Cheers Slum. I'm not a fan of bark and manure is a bit heavy in such an urban setting. I'll be happy to finish with a light mulch and prepare for hand-to-hand combat with any weeds, which I enjoy; they tend to struggle given the density of my plantings.
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