"p.k." wrote in message
...
George.com wrote:
"tina" wrote in message
...
Hi,
Is it best to use topsoil or manure (horse or chicken) in raised
beds?

what type of soil? whatever you have around to put in it.



NO!

Building raised beds is the best ever opportunity to get good
qaulity/condition soil.

If yoy have clay soil, DO NOT fill the beds with it!

If you have very light sndy soil DO NOT fill the beds with it!

If you have a stoy soil DO NOT fill your beds with it

Whatever natural soil you have make sure you raised beds contain a humous
rich, light, stone free, workable mix of soils & compost/manures

which means the poster will have to bring in soil if she does not have the
ideal type as you suggested. Sure, if the soil is all clay or all sand then
there may be some choice needing made. My advice was premised on the soil
being reasonably loam, not everyone is lucky enough to have that. That said,
if the soil she has is decent enough then don't worry too much whether it is
'perfect', just build the garden, plant and enjoy. Even 'perfect' soil won't
stay that way for too long if not treated nicely. The long term way you
treat your soil is the key, albeit pk is correct to avoid the extremes of
very sandy or clay soils.

rob