What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[poppy33]

Having enjoyed keeping my 3 chickens I am now in the process of building a 10ft long raised bed and need a little advice, what mix of compost do I use in the bed, I had planned to fill it with screened top soil but not sure if this is best.

Whilst looking round B&Q I found a tray of 12 organic rainbow chard...I know its cheeting I have bought it and now looking on the internet I am confused as it says start off the seeds in spring, mu little plugs are about 4" high , do I plant them now and how long will it be till they can be picked ? also when is the right time to plant onion sets ?

I am really unsure as to what I should be putting in at this time of the year and any help from experienced growers would be great, I have had such a thrill harvesting my Rhubarb plants that I planted I am now keen to try some veg

[sjp]

Screened top soil is all right you just need to find a good local supplier. you can also add a layer of well muck in the bottom of the bed a local satble or farm is the best place for that.

as for the chard that I can't help with

[moochoo]

Hiya, I'd add some well rotted horse or chicken muck to the top soil too. With regard to the chard it grows really fast and you can just pick leaves off as you need them rather than harvesting the whole plant. I would think you'd be able to harvest some leaves within a few weeks. It's also winter hardy so will keep you going until spring.

Onion sets can be planted from October onwards for over wintering varieties and from late March/ early April for heat treated varieties.

[poppy33]

Thanks for the replies, off out now for a drive to source some well rotted horse muck