I think you've probably ordered about double what you need in the way of topsoil, if my guestimate of the size of your bed is anything like accurate - have a look here and let it do the calculation for you http://www.topsoilshop.co.uk/topsoil-calculator - you may be able to cancel part of your order. That money could be used for plants
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Just for others who haven't decided yet, I saw someone today who created a raised bed at about chest height. They simply had the outline of a large box in timber, then bought some large tubs that were designed for holding rocks and such like, and slotted it between the timber before screwing it down. A great idea for those of us who cant bend down as much anymore
Thanks Dove, the Nasturtiums do look a bit gangly don't they! Will a conservatory be ok for them, our too cold at night?
I did a few calculators online before and the consensus between them was that I'd need 2.5 tonnes. The one you linked to suggested 2 tonnes so in the same ball park.
The box is already half full so I think your right, I should probably try and halve my order to 1 tonne. The bed is 8x5 feet and 14" deep so a fair size. Will speak with soil supplier in the morning.
Generally i think i will square the area off, cut up a bit of turf and perhaps create a little path around the area and down the side of the bed. Just to define tue whole thing a bit more.
The area to the left of the bed is where my potatoes will go this year. Last year they were where the bed is now and in the soil that's in the bed so I will rotate these.
Id like to expand my growing area, for example to the right of the bed, however the tree cover there really cuts out the light in the summer, so its not the best area. That said weeds seem to grow prevalently there so maybe I could try something!
I'm also planning on using some potato bags elsewhere in the garden and perhaps trying some carrots in bags.
I've just finished our raised beds and like others said one of the reasons I went for raised beds is that i have a smallish garden so they allow us to follow a long held passion to grow veg but also allows the garden to be a useable space for all of us including 4 year old and dog! Ive enjoyed greenhouse gardening up until now and can't wait to spread my wings and use the outdoor space as well this year!
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Oh and here are my Nasturtiums and marigolds for companion planting. Time to pot them on i think?
I think you've probably ordered about double what you need in the way of topsoil, if my guestimate of the size of your bed is anything like accurate - have a look here and let it do the calculation for you http://www.topsoilshop.co.uk/topsoil-calculator - you may be able to cancel part of your order. That money could be used for plants
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Oh, and move those seedlings to somewhere cooler and lighter - they're getting much too etiolated (drawn out seeking the light).
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Just for others who haven't decided yet, I saw someone today who created a raised bed at about chest height. They simply had the outline of a large box in timber, then bought some large tubs that were designed for holding rocks and such like, and slotted it between the timber before screwing it down. A great idea for those of us who cant bend down as much anymore
I did a few calculators online before and the consensus between them was that I'd need 2.5 tonnes. The one you linked to suggested 2 tonnes so in the same ball park.
The box is already half full so I think your right, I should probably try and halve my order to 1 tonne. The bed is 8x5 feet and 14" deep so a fair size. Will speak with soil supplier in the morning.
They'll be much better in a cool conservatory - as long as it's frost free.
As for filling the raised bed - don't forget to leave room to work in a goodly layer of well-rotted manure
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Jason , bed looking good , best of luck with planting , any plans the surrounding area ?
Generally i think i will square the area off, cut up a bit of turf and perhaps create a little path around the area and down the side of the bed. Just to define tue whole thing a bit more.
The area to the left of the bed is where my potatoes will go this year. Last year they were where the bed is now and in the soil that's in the bed so I will rotate these.
Id like to expand my growing area, for example to the right of the bed, however the tree cover there really cuts out the light in the summer, so its not the best area. That said weeds seem to grow prevalently there so maybe I could try something!
I'm also planning on using some potato bags elsewhere in the garden and perhaps trying some carrots in bags.
I've just finished our raised beds and like others said one of the reasons I went for raised beds is that i have a smallish garden so they allow us to follow a long held passion to grow veg but also allows the garden to be a useable space for all of us including 4 year old and dog! Ive enjoyed greenhouse gardening up until now and can't wait to spread my wings and use the outdoor space as well this year!