Vermiculite

[big rockpile]

I have two deep Raised Beds that dry out pretty fast.

If I was to mix in some Vermiculite on top would this help as far as holding water?

big rockpile

 

[Chuck]

Yes, but only where the vermiculite is located in the bed. If you spread it on top the top will be more moist than the center or bottom

 

[big rockpile]

HMMM! This seems like something that will work but will take time to work like I want.

big rockpile

 

[Chuck]

HMMM! This seems like something that will work but will take time to work like I want.

big rockpile

Before you plant mix the vermiculite in all of the soil. That way you have a constant even moisture content throughout the bed.

 

[DiggersJo]

A lot of plants like free draining soil, so vermiculite will help retain moisture, but make sure that's what you want for what you intend to plant in there.

 

[Sluggy]

Dig in some rotted compost or manure,

 

[big rockpile]

Dig in some rotted compost or manure,

It has Compost in it.

I have rotten Wood in it which is to hold water but evidently not.

I’m going to make Whicking Beds which should be good. Going to use them Plastic Tots just cut them almost in half they should last a long time.

big rockpile

 

[Sluggy]

If that’s it working dig in a load of manure,

 

[big rockpile]

No one has any anymore.

big rockpile

 

[Sluggy]

Our local garden centres sell bags of processed manure that smells of the real thing and works well on my vegetable plot. I once bought a huge load of fresh chicken manure with my friends and boy did that stuff smell. Then I bought rotted manure from a farm and what ever animal it came from they enjoyed eating Scottish thistles. So I will stick with my GC bags. i could order it on line and get it delivered but I like checking over what I am buying. Then drive home with windows and panoramic glass roof fully open.
Just checked you can buy bags from Big-Box home centres, the Home Depot and Lowes’.

 

[big rockpile]

Our local garden centres sell bags of processed manure that smells of the real thing and works well on my vegetable plot. I once bought a huge load of fresh chicken manure with my friends and boy did that stuff smell. Then I bought rotted manure from a farm and what ever animal it came from they enjoyed eating Scottish thistles. So I will stick with my GC bags. i could order it on line and get it delivered but I like checking over what I am buying. Then drive home with windows and panoramic glass roof fully open.
Just checked you can buy bags from Big-Box home centres, the Home Depot and Lowes’.

Ok I wasn’t thinking of this I can buy bags.

Crazy thing is my older beds hold water just fine.

big rockpile

 

[DirtMechanic]

Ok I wasn’t thinking of this I can buy bags.

Crazy thing is my older beds hold water just fine.

big rockpile

it can compress over a season but I put a water tray under 7 gallon bags and water when the tray gets dry. Dump it every year and remake the bed.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Then I bought rotted manure from a farm and what ever animal it came from they enjoyed eating Scottish thistles.

Bet it was pigs, the seeds go straight through them. You want a horsey person, they end up paying people to take away manure, but check they don't use weed treated hay, the weed killer is regarded as 'safe' because it goes straight through without being absorbed.
I find mulching with grass cuttings a good way to keep it moist, or I did when it used to rain and the grass grew.

 

[big rockpile]

I have Chickens and their house needs cleaning but I don’t think it will help being so dry and it probably is too Hot.

I know stuff will break down and I will have to add to it. It settles down it may get to where it holds water.

big rockpile

 

[GFTL]

I have several IBC tote wicking beds. It's my favorite way to grow. Just fill them once a week.