Prepareing new beds

Willow · Post by **Willow** » 13 Oct 2007, 09:30

We're prepareing a new raised bed for next years veg.... Our soil is pure grey clay, so needs breaking up - can I dig in wood shavings and chicken poo besides home made compost now? Or will any nutrients just get washed through during winter?

Tania · Post by **Tania** » 13 Oct 2007, 10:41

Hi Willow

I think that digging anything in at this time will only benefit. Digging will break up the clay and allow air in - any organic matter will improve the structure, holding the clay apart and release nutrients as it decomposes. I'd get some grit to dig in too. During the winter rain will better get into the soil and freezing will open it up.

I'm gardening on flint - alkaline soil. A *ugger to work as the flint stops me from getting a spade or fork into the ground. I use a mattock but have had success with raised beds.

Post by Mo » 13 Oct 2007, 11:57

Shavings take a while to break down, and use nitrogen while doing it.
Books always recommend 'well rotted' manure. I'm not sure if this outweighs the benefit of vreaking up the clay or not.

Tania · Post by **Tania** » 13 Oct 2007, 13:04

If you are not planting out until the spring using raw shavings and chicken poo (as opposed to composted) shouldn't be a problem. Dig it in well and it will be working in the soil. The chicken poo will more than make up for nitrogen loss - in my opinion. :wink:
I wouldn't use it neat during the growing season though.

Another thing I've had success with is to dig a trench in the autumn and fill it with a good 6" or more layer of compostables - veg peelings etc, then back fill and leave it to compost in situ - great for beans, courgettes, pumpkins.

Willow · Post by **Willow** » 13 Oct 2007, 13:48

I suppose it all boils down to whether the organic matter will rot down over winter... I think I'll give it a go.. nothing can be as bad as the potting clay I have for soil now...

AnnaB · Post by **AnnaB** » 13 Oct 2007, 16:58

Hi Willow

If you have a paper shredder, dig a lot of shredded paper in as well as what you have suggested.
Anna

Willow · Post by **Willow** » 13 Oct 2007, 18:26

Good idea Anna... at the moment its all getting burnt.. Right thats straw, Chicken poo, last years compost and shredded paper... If that doesnt sort out the soil nothing will!!