planting bed prep

[TLWR]

We'll be ready to transplant some stuff outside in the next week or two.

2 years ago we built 6 raised beds. Filled them with some used duck bedding (pine straw and oak leaves), layer of clay, duck bedding, layer of compost from the garden center - not great compost.

Over time, it has broken down some and we have some nice dirt, but it has settled a lot. Could use some more something this year.

What is a good topper to mix in to the top layer?
I saw a CL posting a couple weeks ago about horse manure.
I can get cow manure
what is a good option to top dress/mix in?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Cow and horse manure should be composted first. I'd use finished compost. Fresh horse manure can bring in a lot of weed and grass seeds. Allowing that to heat in a compost pile first will kill a lot of it.

 

[TLWR]

I think it was composted, but would have to go back and find the cl ad.

 

[lazy gardener]

Do a little research regarding the Lasagna gardening method, then build up your bed with what you have locally available to you.