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What should I do with all the debris on flowerbeds, when putting new compost down?

Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
in Problem solving
Sorry this is such a basic question. I'm still very much learning how to do gardening and I can't find the answer to this.

Basically I have flowerbeds with lots of "debris" (don't know what to call it!) bits on them, as is usual. Little stones, fallen leaves, pieces of old stems, plant matter, pieces of hard dry soil. It's all very small.

I'm going to put compost onto the flowerbeds.

I am wondering:
 - should I remove all the debris, then place the compost on the bare swept earth, then replace the debris back down over the new compost? Maybe it's good to have some 'cover' over the earth, and/or maybe it discourages new weeds better - I have no idea.
 - or should I spread the debris evenly and put the new compost on top of it?
 - or should I just remove all the debris, and get rid of it, and have the new compost only? This would look the nicest.

And should I be digging in the compost? The soil underneath is quite firm/hard.

I have posted some pictures to illustrate. The stubby bits are a few overgrown geranium plants that I cut back. Towards the left side you can see where I swept some of it into a pile while pruning.

Thank you!





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Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You can just lightly rake it off, and it can be added to a compost bin if you have one @Pink678  :)
    Your compost can just be added to the surface of the soil, but if the ground's a bit dry and solid, it would help to break it up a bit first with a fork. If ground isn't great in terms of health , well rotted manure is perfect for helping with the soil structure too. Any organic matter is beneficial. 
    In any case - no need to dig in - just lay a good thick layer on. It'll get worked in over autumn and winter. You can just keep it clear of the main part of the geranium crown to avoid any rotting if it's very wet.  :)
    As you've suggested - it will also help with any weed suppression, so it's a good time to do it   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I'd just spread the compost or manure on top of that (lazy gardener here!). A thick mass of dead leaves and suchlike I would gather up and put in the compost bin, or council green waste bin if you don't make your own compost. The little stones are helping with drainage and trying to gather them up is a never-ending task because more will work their way up out of the soil.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    Thank you ever so much Fairygirl, that all makes so much sense.

    So the manure will help suppress weeds, and I don't need to put anything over it.

    I don't have a compost bin, so maybe should I sift out the stones (to put at the bottom of plant pots), then put the organic matter like leaves/stems etc in my garden waste bin for collection?

    I have been thinking manure sounds good and so nutritious for the plants, but I always wondered isn't it teeming bacteria, which then if you later got a little scratch on and soil on your hands/behind nails, wouldn't it get infected? Sorry if this sounds like an odd question! I'd wear gloves and be careful spreading it, but I'm thinking about the months to come.

    And then I must leave a ring around all my shrubs and plants so the manure doesn't touch them? Things like lavender bushes which I have just cut right back, and penstemon plants, and peony waiting to go brown, and salvia clumps, and large dahlia bush/plants still flowering.

    Apologies for asking more questions.
  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    Thank you JennyJ, I am learning so much here! I did wonder about drainage.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Pink678 said:
    ...
    I have been thinking manure sounds good and so nutritious for the plants, but I always wondered isn't it teeming bacteria, which then if you later got a little scratch on and soil on your hands/behind nails, wouldn't it get infected? Sorry if this sounds like an odd question! I'd wear gloves and be careful spreading it, but I'm thinking about the months to come.
    Soil is full of bacteria and other micro-organisms whether or not you add manure (or should be, if it's any good) so I don't think you need to worry. If you haven't gardened much before it might be worth checking whether your tetanus vaccinations are up-to-date, and of course wash your hands (and wherever else has got mucky) after a gardening session. Antiseptic cream or TCP on any cuts or scratches if you're worried, but I don't often bother and I'm still alive and unscathed!

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Aye - you're a lazy mare @JennyJ :D
    To be honest - I probably would chuck it on top too  ;)

    Well rotted manure holds no problems @Pink678 so don't worry. It's one of the best additions to any type of soil. It helps break up sticky wet clay, and helps sandy soil hold onto moisture and nutrition.  You don't need to be too particular- just tip it out and spread it with a fork or a trowel, or similar.   :)
    If you just keep the area round the perennials clear of too much compost/manure, that's fine. An inch is all you need in terms of distance.  It just prevents anything wet sitting against stems. Shrubs are less bothered  :)
    No need to apologise - it's good to ask, rather than having a problem later and losing plants etc.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    :D:D
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    Thank you both so much for your help!! :) Really appreciate it, I have been wondering about those 2 things for some time and now I get it! Manure here I come ...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Little stones do no harm, and why remove twiggy stuff to the compost bin when it will break down perfectly well in situ. When I'm cutting back plants I usually just snip them into short sections and leave them on the ground where they fall, rather than cart them off to the bin. I haven't got a compost bin, or even a garden waste bin.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I’m a lazy gardener as well then,  we just chuck it on, over everything,  the only plants I move it away from is the peonies so they don’t get  a build up of soil over them. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

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