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Soil

MarisolMarisol Posts: 49
in The potting shed
Hello growers

it might seem a silly question! I really can’t afford to buy tons of compost for raised beds. I’ve only got two small ones.    I will have to dig up some soil at the allotment to make a few paths.  I’ve got tons of couch grass what a nightmare that is!  Anyway if I sifted the soil could I use it to fill the raised beds half way up? 

Advice most welcome !  😘

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited December 2023
    I have done exactly that with some new raised beds topped up with fine top soil. Nothing else has been done at this stage other than I am using them as a nursery bed for all the plants from my old garden.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I think it would be better to mix the soil and compost/soil improver/organic matter rather than having a layer of soil and then a layer of compost.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • StephenSouthwestStephenSouthwest Posts: 635
    You also might want to look for local free to collect well rotted manure...
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    You don' say where you are, Marisol, but I keep my eye on nearby ditches that have silted up over time.  Every 2-3 years they provide me with a good supply of soil, liberally laced with whatever fertilisers the farmers have been using.  Just a thought.
  • MarisolMarisol Posts: 49
    I’m in North London no farmers around unfortunately! 😊 @nick615
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    I  understand.  Know it well.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    As in North London, keep an eye on Next Door and FB groups etc for top soil give aways. They happen pretty often. There are various places that you can buy green waste compost cheaply, if you have vehicle access.  It used to be given out free by the council.

    MHSG says that free green waste compost is available at Haringey’s reuse and recycling centre. Worth checking before travelling.



  • MarisolMarisol Posts: 49
    @Fire  Unfortunately I don’t drive. 🙁
  • WaterbutWaterbut Posts: 344
    Sift the soil in small amounts into a container and sift again with your hand to ensure no couch grass roots are present as the tiniest piece of root will grow. Should be easy to spot as they are usually white. I had to do this so take something to sit on while doing it as it is time consuming.
  • WaterbutWaterbut Posts: 344
    I meant to add - leave small stones in as they aerate the soil. Made a mistake and extracted them. 
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