Compost or topsoil?

[SiouxsieSiouxStiletto]

DS has dug out some rubble for me to make a little bed in our garden.

What do it need to put in so that I can grow some plants in it?

I would go for mostly topsoil with a bit of compost, compost on its own will dry out and topsoil on its own may have fewer nutrients.

If it’s small enough for garden centre bags to fill it, say three bags of topsoil to one of compost (so 75% topsoil). If it’s bigger and you are after getting a single big bulk bag delivered I would buy all topsoil and then mix in compost from garden centre bags with the soil when I dug holes for the plants.

Both mixed together with some horticultural grit as well.

Definitely a mix, even up to 50/50 if necessary, and mix it all together well.

What you want to look for is what happens when you water it. If the water sits on top of the soil for too long, and when you dig down the soil underneath is still dry, then there is not enough compost.

You want the water to sink straight in and penetrate down to the roots of your plants.

Thank you everyone who's taken the time to explain it. I'm not very good at gardening but I’m definitely trying harder this year