I have six raised beds in my new garden made from repurposed farmer's boxes. Last year, I packed the first bed with logs, cardboard, and leaves before adding compost, but it all sank down significantly. I learned my lesson and really loaded the next five beds with similar materials and a ton of compost. Now, after a season, they're half-empty again. I want to refresh them for the next growing season and plant garlic during the winter. What's the best and most affordable way to do this? I've noticed that the compost farm is charging £30-45 for bags right now, but there's another local farm offering free well-rotted manure. When should I add new compost, and when's the best time to plant the garlic?
2 Answers
It sounds like you're dealing with the classic settling issue in raised beds! To really boost those beds, you'll want to add a mix of compost and some kind of soil improver. Manure is great, but make sure it's well-rotted to avoid burning your plants. As for timing, add the compost and manure in the fall after you’ve harvested. This way, it can break down over the winter while you plant your garlic. Just make sure to mix it into the existing soil before planting!
An option to consider is using landscaping fabric at the bottom of your beds to help with sinking. It won't stop the settling entirely, but it could help improve drainage and keep things more stable overall. Just be careful not to block the natural soil ecosystem!
Totally agree! Mixing in some good organic matter in the fall helps a lot. Plus, it gives your garlic the nutrients it needs to start strong come spring.