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Best soil fro elevated garden #930277

Asked May 01, 2026, 12:20 PM EDT

built an elevated vegetable garden container what is the best soil to use to fill it?

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi John, 

Thanks for reaching out. I'd recommend looking for a potting mix or raised garden bed / container mix of soil. This will be lightweight and is intended for container use. "Garden soil" bags or "topsoil" bags will be too heavy for your elevated box. Using heavy soils in containers restricts air and water movement that is helpful for plant growth. 

Here's an article with more information: https://extension.umn.edu/news/starting-your-garden-and-containers-right

I hope this helps!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 01, 2026, 6:53 PM EDT
Thank You for your response. Next question: where is the best place to get good affordable container bed mix soil? Thank You

Dr. John Thompson


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On Fri, May 1, 2026 at 5:53 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2026, 2:20 PM EDT

Great question. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend specific retailers, but a landscaping or gardening center would be best. They have professionals that can help direct you to the best quality, yet affordable, garden bed / container soil. You could look at the Minnesota’s Nursery and Landscape Association’s (MNLA) website to see if a retailer is a member. Here is their website: 
http://www.mnla.biz/search/custom.asp?id=2352

I hope this helps! 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 03, 2026, 10:25 AM EDT

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