Filling raised beds

Posts

• Fairygirl Posts: 55,117

  9 February

  Hi @Hazel10 - why do you think you need sharp sand? I've never added any grit or similar to raised beds, even though it's very wet here. Mine just get spent compost, or similar, added every year or so, and the drainage is excellent. I grow lots of different plants in mine, but a lot of them are plants which would struggle in a standard border because of the conditions and clay soil. 
  Most raised beds are freer draining than in the ground, and many people find they drain too easily, especially if you get those long periods of very dry, hot weather. If you're mixing compost with soil, that should be fine for almost any plant, although a lot depends on the site and climate. 

  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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• Hazel10 Posts: 3

  9 February

  Hi @Fairygirl. Thanks for the advice. RHS site recommends sharp sand, but helpful to get your experience. Any suggestions re supplier for the compost?

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• Fairygirl Posts: 55,117

  9 February

  Sorry - can't help with the suppliers as I've never had to use that sort of thing - only gravel suppliers, and we have quitea  few of those in my area. I expect someone will be able to advise though. There will definitely be national suppliers of compost   

  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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• diggersjo Posts: 172

  9 February

  Wickes or B&Q?  Is it possible to use manure and perhaps less expensive? I've used Wickes often for small bags of different Westland compost and so called farmyard manure with very mixed results in terms of quality.

  Yorkshire, ex Italy and North East coast. Growing too old for it!

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• Fire Posts: 19,096

  9 February

  If you are buying 2000 to 3000 litres peat free compost from Wickes, or someone, I would buy a small bag first to see what the quality is like. Buying a dumpy bag from wholesalers can be cheaper. Wickes are useful in that they will courier the bags, unlike many companies, but be sure what you are buying.
  

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• wild edges Posts: 10,497

  9 February

  You didn't say what you were growing but I wouldn't recommend putting sand in veg beds unless you have a good system for washing root veg outdoors. You'll clog your sink in no time if sand is getting washed into it regularly. Don't ask how I know
  

  It might be worth asking at local farm shops or riding stables to see if they have an old muck heap that needs digging out. I filled all my raised beds for free that way, although it's a bit more labour intensive.
  

  If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  

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• Plantminded Posts: 3,580

  9 February

  I buy bulk loads of compost and farmyard manure from Dandy's. They are local to me but a national supplier.  Always good quality products and service.

  Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.
  
  
  

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• Hazel10 Posts: 3

  9 February

  Thank you for your replies. All useful. What a great forum this is! I’ll be using the beds for flowers for cutting but mainly for veg. I do have an outdoor tap and also water butts next to the greenhouse and raised beds so easy to wash off veg. Interesting that adding sharp sand doesn’t seem to be popular with growers. Thank you for sharing your experience. 🙏🏻

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• ViewAhead Posts: 866

  9 February

  Do bear in mind that the level of material (compost, etc) in your raised beds will sink as it settles, so add more than you think you will need initially.  🙂  

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• war garden 572 Posts: 664

  9 February

  i found peat free compost to useless. 

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