Raised beds; soil mix

[cocopops]

I thought I could shortcut clearing the grass from my veg patch by building raised beds and filling them with soil.  I have a mound of soil created when the fosse septique was installed 7 years ago (before me moved here).  Having looked at the soil (which husband said was good) it appears to have more slate in it than my roof!  Could I sieve this soil and mix it with last years grass clippings?  I know it seems a dumb question, but I know I need to do something soon.  The alternative seems to be buy many bags of compost which are on offer in the supermarkets at the moment.  Any advice would be appreciated.

[cocopops]

[philcooper]

What are you trying to achieve?

If it's saving effort, seiving several tons of sub soil seems odd.

What's wrong with just digging the grass in?

Phil

[artichoke]

I would have thought you could use this fosse septique soil. If it were me, I would lay newspaper and cardboard down on the raised bed site to discourage grasses growing up through it, then pile your soil on top of it, possibly mixed with manure, fertiliser, anything you can lay your hands on cheaply; then plant into it. The paper and cardboard will rot down over time and allow deeper roots through it.

That is what I have done on a meadow plot, and it seems to be working - and I haven't got your source of fosse septique soil. Best of luck!

[cocopops]

I have just said to my husband that I have posted a question that may sound a bit odd  ??? There only 6 smallish beds (1.75 x 2.5 m), and I was only going to raise them 100mm as the grass is not a serous problem, it just looks muddy and has got me a bit disheartened.  I have seen plans from other members and think that the bed system may be better for me.  Stupid me thought have cultivated patch, put seeds in, I should have looked a bit further ahead.

[cocopops]

Artichoke, that sounds like a good idea!  I was posting at the same time as you.  Thank you.

[Blue Bird]

Hi Dandy lion I have made some raised beds and have layers newspaper first before filling with mole hill soil - saved me weeding the beds and I am sure it will wrk


best of luck
:)

[Barnowl]

It's recommended to mix paper with grass cuttings  - something to do with PH balance?

[manicscousers]

mixed our grass clippings with rotted leaves, also did the cardboard first trick, got rid of the marestail/horsetail (don't know the difference)  ;D