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Soil Type
Michael May
Posts: 3
in Fruit & veg
I have an area of what I think is loamy soil on which I have placed some raised bed to grow some vegetables. Looking at the page on soil types on the website it is either loamy, silty or sandy but not too sure which....
Because of the type of soil do I really need to have raised bed and have to add bought soil/compost?
Thanks
0
Posts
Most people grow their veg in whatever soil they've got, adding manure etc to improve it.
Raised beds are in fashion but a long way from essential
In the sticks near Peterborough
Hi Nutcutlet
Thanks for the response.
I suppose then I have the option of growing vegetables that require both heavy and light soils then?
What type of soils are the bought general use composts, etc?
Thanks
Michael, Loam will not feel wet and sticky in the hands nor too dry, it will be humus rich with a soft feel to it. Most Gardeners grow their vegetables in that type of soil with success, no need for raised beds unless posture problems dictate them. Sandy soils add plenty of compost and manure if you can get it, in time it will become loamy. Clay much the same but add newspaper wool some woody compost plus drainage grit, it takes time and will grow veg, Potato's are a good crop to break it up.
If your soil is good then why waste money buying bags of compost and why raise the beds, nothing like doing what nature intended, natural growth.
Frank.
Thanks Palaisglide
One of the reasons I have raised beds is because our cat will, and has used, the area as a toilet. The raised beds allow me to put netting up that stops the cat.
I may try constructing more and put them into the ground rather than sitting on it.