Raised bed soil - Ask Extension
I am setting up a raised bed for the first time. What is the best type of soil to use?
Knowledgebase
Raised bed soil #867368
Asked May 07, 2024, 7:54 AM EDT
I am setting up a raised bed for the first time. What is the best type of soil to use?
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Jackie,
Raised garden beds are becoming more popular, not only for older gardeners but also for those who want to make gardening less labor-intensive. Raised gardens can be as little as 8 inches deep to 3 feet deep.
The raised bed can be placed on existing soil or grass, or it can be placed on a patio or cemented area. The soil mixture would differ depending on what type of garden you choose. The important thing to keep in mind is that the soil for either should be lighter and compost-rich than in an in-ground garden.
This article from the University of Oregon Extension offers excellent information about how to plan and build a raised garden.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/fs-270-raised-bed-gardening
The soil to use also depends on where you place the garden. The following article gives good advice for any situation.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-fill-raised-beds/
I have been using raised garden beds for many years. The mix that I use for my beds on soil is equal parts of 3 ingredients: 1/3 compost from at least 3 different sources; 1/3 Sphagnum moss; and 1/3 coarse vermiculite (which can be difficult to find). The equal parts are by volume, not by weight, for example, 1 bushel of each ingredient mixed together.
I recently bought 2 raised beds on legs that are 33" high. The actual garden box at the top is 12" inches deep. I filled the boxes with a soilless mixture specially made for boxes that sit on cement or other non-soil surfaces. These boxes need to have soil that is light and drains well. Check the information on the label if you choose to purchase a commercial product. You can also make your own. See this article for suggestions: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soilless-growing-mediums.htm
I hope this answers your question, but don't hesitate to contact me again if you have further questions or need more information.
Happy Spring!
Raised garden beds are becoming more popular, not only for older gardeners but also for those who want to make gardening less labor-intensive. Raised gardens can be as little as 8 inches deep to 3 feet deep.
The raised bed can be placed on existing soil or grass, or it can be placed on a patio or cemented area. The soil mixture would differ depending on what type of garden you choose. The important thing to keep in mind is that the soil for either should be lighter and compost-rich than in an in-ground garden.
This article from the University of Oregon Extension offers excellent information about how to plan and build a raised garden.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/fs-270-raised-bed-gardening
The soil to use also depends on where you place the garden. The following article gives good advice for any situation.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-fill-raised-beds/
I have been using raised garden beds for many years. The mix that I use for my beds on soil is equal parts of 3 ingredients: 1/3 compost from at least 3 different sources; 1/3 Sphagnum moss; and 1/3 coarse vermiculite (which can be difficult to find). The equal parts are by volume, not by weight, for example, 1 bushel of each ingredient mixed together.
I recently bought 2 raised beds on legs that are 33" high. The actual garden box at the top is 12" inches deep. I filled the boxes with a soilless mixture specially made for boxes that sit on cement or other non-soil surfaces. These boxes need to have soil that is light and drains well. Check the information on the label if you choose to purchase a commercial product. You can also make your own. See this article for suggestions: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soilless-growing-mediums.htm
I hope this answers your question, but don't hesitate to contact me again if you have further questions or need more information.
Happy Spring!
