I'm planning to fill a 2-foot tall raised garden bed, and I've got access to free horse manure and a chip drop. I'm wondering if these two materials will be enough or if I should supplement with anything else. I'm considering collecting leaves in the fall from a 'buy nothing' group to add as well. Any suggestions?
2 Answers
You definitely want to think about layering! While horse manure and wood chips are great, I'd recommend adding a layer of soil or compost on top. That will create a nutrient-rich environment for your plants to thrive. Some folks also suggest using cut logs or branches at the bottom for more structure. Just be sure to think about drainage too!
Yeah, you might be okay with just the manure and chips initially, but it’s smart to add other materials later on. A friend of mine did something similar with wood chips and manure and found it worked well, but blending in some good quality soil or compost really helped with plant growth. Collecting leaves is a good idea—they'll break down nicely over time.