The Dirt on Raised Beds

What do you fill yours raised beds with? Dirt right? Sounds like an easy question. Well not necessarily. It depends on the dirt. To grow a healthy garden you need healthy soil. Can you just use dirt lying around in your yard? Yes! Using dirt found in your yard can be the least economical way to fill your raised beds. However you will need to amend that soil.

Here in Colorado we have a lot of clay in our soil. Adding compost and composted manure will add nutrients to the soil. The more organic matter the better. You can get a soil sample and have it analyzed at the CSU agricultural extension office for $35. This tests can tell how healthy the soil is and what you can add to bring it to a healthy balance. Balancing the soil this way takes time but is the most affordable way to get the right balance.

You you don’t want the hassel of balancing your soil? Well there are a lot of pre-mixed garden bed soils available at any garden nursery or big box store. This is the most expensive way to fill your raised beds. A 4×8 bed 12 inches deep can run you $300-500.

The best option is to find a landscaping company to deliver a good garden mix. The soil mix will cost anywhere from $35/yard to $60/yard. The price is great for the soil but the delivery charge is where the cost comes in. So make sure you ask what the delivery charge before you order.

What is a yard of soil? Its based on volume. A yard of soil measures 3 ft high, 3 ft wide, and 3 ft long. A 3 ft cube of soil if it could keep its shape.
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