Hello, I live in Nanaimo and am building several (8) raised garden beds from cedar. I will be growing vegetables primarily. I am wondering about the best soil for these beds. I have used pure compost in the past and was quite successful (massive plants and little to no bug problems) the first two years, but not as successful in the third year. The previous beds have been removed due to a major yard renovation and I am now starting fresh. The sun exposure has improved as several large trees were removed and the grass has been completely scraped away. It is a blank canvas and I would like to determine the best soil for my area. The garden area is gently sloped as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you kindly in advance. Elizabeth
I wonder, why you put so much effort in building raised beds and in getting soil for them from outside? Is there any problem with your native soil, is it contaminated with something? I am asking because I garden in my natural soil, organically, my garden area is completely flat, and I am getting better results every year (my soil was very poor and very shallow at the beginning). It is how Nature gardens, too. It always makes me wonder what are the reasons for different approach and what is the gain? I understand, on heavy, cold, clayey soils in areas with heavy precipitation raised beds often make sense, but otherwise? In your particular circumstances, having a gently sloped garden, there is no danger of prolonged saturation regardless of the kind of soil you have, so why?
Hello, The base soil is heavy clay and we have high amounts of precipitation throughout the year here. Thanks.
