Hi, I've read some posts here and find it interesting. Enjoy learning from you all. Have ordered 2 columnar apple trees from edible landscaping. (yeah, read some posts about them too. ) I forgot to ask what rootstock, but will do it when I get time. Have been digging place where they'll go. One on either side of a couple of my raised beds. Of course I'll make 'berms' or raised places for them. Here's where I get confused. Have read NOT to put manure in soil of root ball. Have read to amend soil with organic waste. I have rabbits & chickens. What is organic waste if not namure? I have a new compost pile, and some loamy stuff from the wooded area on my little bit of home stead. Can I use the loamy stuff? It's nice, and the chickens have been amending it for me by scratching it up. Some compost might be ready (used all the other stuff when putting in garden this spring)

Because I have no carpentry skills, am considering asking around about large diameter tires with large diameter holes in center. I know I could use that black edging stuff, but that never stays put no matter what I try. Want something to contain the bed. Might use bricks, have some old ones.

Also, have read that raising beds means roots will not be frozen . Have also read the opposite.

I will continue reading posts, but when trees arrive next week, will stick them in ground to best of ability.

sincerely

Sherry