Prep garden beds - Ask Extension
I have 6 large raised garden beds. I'm always stumped come spring for how to prepare them for planting. The dirt has settled, so I need to add more, b...
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Prep garden beds #925509
Asked March 06, 2026, 9:45 AM EST
I have 6 large raised garden beds. I'm always stumped come spring for how to prepare them for planting. The dirt has settled, so I need to add more, but what kind? Should I add compost? How much?
Thanks!
Houston County Minnesota
Expert Response
Good to hear you are starting early to think about your garden beds.
Ideally, raised beds should be filled with a soil compound made for raised beds. This is a lighter mix than regular garden soil and you should be able to find it at garden centers.
You can add compost every year. Mix it into the top players of the soil If you haven’t had a soil test in the last three years, this is a good time to have one. That will tell you if your beds are in need of any nutrients. You will probably be able to do this later this month if the weather stays warm.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/raised-bed-gardens
