Prepping raised beds for spring - Ask Extension
I have a couple of raised beds that have not been used for several seasons. I need to get rid of the grass and weeds. I have some cardboard and s...
Knowledgebase
Prepping raised beds for spring #293134
Asked December 09, 2015, 4:42 PM EST
I have a couple of raised beds that have not been used for several seasons. I need to get rid of the grass and weeds. I have some cardboard and some old hardwood mulch I can put down. Do you have a suggestion for a green component or amendment to help compost for spring planting? I don't have grass clipping or many veg scraps.
Harris County Texas
Expert Response
Adding a 3" layer of compost will help get you started. The following companies (Nature's Way, Living Earth and the Ground Up) all have good products that will help to amend your soil.
As for the weeds, you can spray with an herbicide to knock them back or hand pull. After you've added the compost and have planted, add a layer of mulch 2-3" to help with weed control and help maintain moisture levels in the soil.
Here are some additional resources.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/files/2010/10/naturalnutrients.pdf
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/files/2010/10/E-284_soil_preparation.pdf
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/
Thanks for the question.
As for the weeds, you can spray with an herbicide to knock them back or hand pull. After you've added the compost and have planted, add a layer of mulch 2-3" to help with weed control and help maintain moisture levels in the soil.
Here are some additional resources.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/files/2010/10/naturalnutrients.pdf
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/files/2010/10/E-284_soil_preparation.pdf
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/
Thanks for the question.
