Sunken soil

[Beerisgud]

I have hops in some wooden boxes set level into a slope. I noticed the soil level drop about 3-5 inches below the wood between the three boxes. Everything is fine and popping up but next year I’d like to bring that back up. Will I be fine removing the mulch layer and leveling up the soil end of season and not rot out my crowns? They are 3rd year this year.

 

[Beerisgud]

 

[NitrogenWidget]

mine were like this last yr.
I had a pile of wood chips from multiple tree stumps.
I pile 3-4" of wood chips on top of the hops late march and it didn't phase them.
they still went crazy.

most of the wood chips have decomposed since then and i'll just throw soil on top and more wood chips.

 

[McMullan]

Worms nicking all the organic matter. My raised beds are the same most years. Fork in some compost and/or cow manure or similar to bring the level back up.