This involves a layer of cardboard, followed by dead leaves or tree branches, and then finally some soil on top of that. Josh Tesolin, co-founder of RusticWise, recommends the hügelkultur method of making raised beds. The minor disadvantages to some of these techniques is sourcing enough material to make the beds and whether you are able to plant into them straight away. It can mean they are cheaper alternatives to just filling raised beds with topsoil and compost – the cost of which can add up depending on the size of the beds. These are all no dig gardening techniques and can use up lots of different materials to make up the beds. There are specific layering techniques you can use to build raised beds. (Image credit: Alamy/Michael Neelon ) How to layer a raised garden bed This will give your plants the most amount of soil possible to grow in and will be massively beneficial, whether you are planning a kitchen garden, vegetable garden or cut flower garden. Both approaches can be effective, and the choice depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the plants being grown.’įill the raised garden bed right to the top, as the soil will settle over time. Layering involves adding a layer of compost on top of the soil and allowing it to gradually mix in over time through natural processes. This can help ensure a more even distribution of nutrients and organic matter throughout the bed. He says: ‘Mixing involves thoroughly combining the compost and soil before filling the bed. Ali Adnan, a gardener and senior editor at The Plant Bible, outlines how there are ‘two main approaches to incorporating compost into a raised bed’ and that is mixing or layering. Traditional approaches recommend a ratio of two-parts topsoil to one-part compost. Widely available to buy in bags or bulk, it is commonly used for filling raised beds or making new borders.īoth compost and topsoil have benefits, however it is better to use a combination of the two to fill a raised bed rather than one or the other. Topsoil is more balanced soil than compost yet also contains nutrients and organic matter. It can either be home-made or bought in from reputable retailers to ensure it is of a high-quality and will not be full of weed seeds or other nasties. You can mix in some well-rotted manure or leaf mold into the mix to further boost the level of nutrients in the soil.Ĭompost is high in organic matter and improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. Here it is wise to use a combination of compost and topsoil. On top of the drainage layer, and forming the bulk of the raised bed, comes the ingredients that will make-up the soil in the bed. Using a layer of rocks, gravel, sand or grit can allow for good drainage and help to prevent water from accumulating and sitting at the bottom of the raised garden bed. These materials can smother weeds beneath them and are especially useful if it is a shorter raised bed or one being made directly on top of a lawn. There are several options available, though it is advisable to use something that can either smother weeds or boost the drainage of the bed.Ĭardboard or landscape fabric – such as HOOPLE Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric available at Amazon – are common choices to act as the base of a raised bed. The first question to consider when filling is what to put on the bottom of a raised garden bed. (Image credit: Getty/Ekaterina savyolova) How to fill a raised garden bed It is best to do a soil test before adding any from the backyard to a raised bed, to get a full understanding of its pH and soil type, as taking low-quality soil and adding it to a bed can be a common raised bed gardening mistake to avoid. Additionally, if the soil in your garden has been previously used to grow plants, it may be depleted of nutrients, and adding compost will help replenish them.’ He adds: ‘It's recommended to mix garden soil with compost to improve its structure and nutrient content. Garden soil can be used in a raised bed, however, Alex Tinsman, a gardener from How To Houseplant, advises it is ‘important to ensure that it's not compacted or contains weeds or pests’ and to make sure you amend it. Around 30-50% of the make-up of the soil can be composed of compost, topped up with good quality topsoil and up to 20% of sand or grit for drainage. The combination creates a soil that has good drainage and holds onto water and nutrients, while providing all the vital nutrients for the plants. What is a good raised garden bed soil mix?Ī good raised garden bed soil mix will be a combination of topsoil, compost or organic matter, and sand or grit.
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