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Best base to use

GardeningNubeGardeningNube Posts: 15
in Plants
Hi, I was hoping someone may be able to help me. I am building a couple of flowerbeds  (approx - 2 mtrs x 0.5 mtr / 30 cm deep in my garden. One which I want to grow a few rose bushes in and in the other I am going to attempt to grow a few vegetables (next year), can anyone advise what the best mix of compost would be for each of these?
I do have some home compost but nowhere near enough, so I will have to purchase quite a bit but if there is any type of mix (for example would mulch help etc) which would help each of the plant varieties I would like to grow, any advice would be much appreciated? Also if you have any advice on where I can purchase reasonably priced compost that is deliverable (I don't drive or have access to a car) that would also help? I have just started planting things last year so still very much learning. Thank you all, Susan

Posts

  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    edited September 2021
    When you say building,you mean raised beds I presume. You will be shocked at the quantity of soil required. Hubby made one last year,for our rhododendrons and Azaleas. We bought a ton of Ericacious soil That was specifically for them. The bed is roughly the size of yours. You would have to buy it from a builder's merchant or garden soil specialist,it would be delivered for you.we couldn't find anywhere local for this soil. For raised beds,it's advised you use,soil and soil improver,not compost. I think it cost just under £70
  • StephenSouthwestStephenSouthwest Posts: 635
    edited September 2021
    You're looking for about 3 cubic metres of material.
    I'd be looking on freegle, freecycle, gumtree, facebook, for:
    -Lots and lots of free horse manure
    -Equal amounts of free topsoil

    ...and I'd find someone willing to collect and deliver them for a lot less than compost would cost to buy.

    I'd add in whatever home compost I could spare, but i wouldn't add any bought in compost myself.
  • GardeningNubeGardeningNube Posts: 15
    Hi Nanny, yes I did mean raised beds, sorry I should have been a bit clearer. I have already dug out another ground level bed and another couple of raised beds this summer. I used 8 bags of compost and they still need a bit more but yes it did surprise me just how much was needed - I couldn't believe how little it covered. We are doing the construction this weekend (I managed to rope my partner into helping me) which is why I am trying to work out what compost to use, so I can get my roses planted. I will have a look at local builders merchants to see what they sell and hope they can deliver - thanks for your advice!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - a bulk bag of soil from a good supplier would be needed. Then add your home made compost, and grit if it's heavy, or manure, or any other organic matter as required, depending on the plants.
    The roses will probably need a heftier growing medium than the veg, so manure would be best in there. 
    The level will settle too over winter, so you'll likely need to top it up. I'd fill the bottom half of the veg bed with something else. Most veg doesn't need a huge depth of soil, but again, it'll depend on the veg. 
    If you get the bulk bag from a builders' merchant, you can add the other stuff at the same time, but the quality won't be as good, as a nursery or garden centre. You may have to shop around to see what outlets have the products.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardeningNubeGardeningNube Posts: 15
    Hi Stephen, I'd never even thought of freecycle! Interesting idea, I'll give it a look and see if I can talk people into delivering! The compost bin is quite small but I can use the whole lot if necessary. Thanks for the idea, I'll see what I can do.
  • GardeningNubeGardeningNube Posts: 15
    Hi Fairygirl, thanks for the advice on types of extra things to add. I'll definitely have a look into some manure and see what I can get a hold of. Hopefully my home compost will help the soil for the veg but I'll also look into what else I could add I was looking at composted bark as a possibility and then the soil may be sorted for February/March time for planting but I will ensure I top up after winter. Thank you that's great advice too. The people on here are so helpful  :)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Good luck with it @susanjmcgowan  :)

    It's difficult when you don't have transport though. I never use Freecycle etc, but that's certainly a good shout.
    There's a thing called 'Man with a Van' too - that might be useful, but I don't know if it would work for this situation. Maybe if you bought manure or compost etc, you could get s chap to pick it up and deliver to you though.
    Some of the private garden centres do delivery too.  :)
    Just in addition- if the beds are made of timber, make sure you line them with plastic to retain moisture and prevent rotting. The timber will last longer that way   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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