[TMAK]

Hi all,

This is my first post after my introduction, so be Gentle.

Just a quick question. I am putting in some large raised beds and containers into a greenhouse that im building, I am wondering if anybody has some ideas on how to fill them without costing a fortune.

My idea was to put some stones and rubble in the bottom for drainage, I was wondering if it would be ok to fill up some of the beds with hedge clippings, lawn mowings and other garden waste twigs branches, leaves, cardboard, manure, timber off cuts etc before topping off with a layer of topsoil and compost.

can anybody see a problem with this

Thanks

Tommy

[Greengage]

dont see why not.

[Good guy]

The woody stuff will probably draw nitrogen from the soil as it decomposes, impoverishing it, though it will be returned eventually, once all is rotted. I'd not put in off cuts but it's up to you.
To help the decomposition you could add nitrogenous material to the woody stuff before burying it: Bob Flowerdew recommends urine for speeding up composting but you could use some sulphate of ammonia instead.

[TMAK]

Thanx for the reply guys.

Goodguy do you think grass clippings would have a high enough nitrogen content, I think the neighbours might have me locked up if they see me out peeing in the flower beds!!!

[Good guy]

They should be ok if you have enough of them. But make sure to mix them well, into the prunings etc, so they don't form a slimy mess. Also, be aware that however much you fill the beds, there will be settlement over a year, especially with the stuff you want to use. My own new beds have settled by at least 2 inches - they were filled with soil and my compost.
As for the urine, you could always invest in a chamber pot; or, as the man said, "A bucket would do!"

[Mz_G]

Water charge buster