filling large containers or raised beds
|
Author |
Message |
TMAK Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree

Joined: 08 Aug 2014 Posts: 97 Location: Co. Roscommon
|
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 3:06 pm Post subject: filling large containers or raised beds |
|
|
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 _________________ Tommy K |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Greengage Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 09 Nov 2011 Posts: 3066 Location: Kildare
|
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 9:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
dont see why not. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Good guy Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 11 Feb 2013 Posts: 2593 Location: Donegal
|
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2014 11:58 pm Post subject: |
|
|
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. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
TMAK Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree

Joined: 08 Aug 2014 Posts: 97 Location: Co. Roscommon
|
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 6:08 am Post subject: |
|
|
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!!! _________________ Tommy K |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Good guy Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 11 Feb 2013 Posts: 2593 Location: Donegal
|
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 10:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
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!" |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Mz_G Rank attained: Hazel Tree


Joined: 18 Aug 2014 Posts: 33 Location: Dublin
|
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 6:07 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Water charge buster  |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You can attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2006 - present IrishGardeners.com (part of GardenPlansIreland.com)
|