Hey everyone! I'm starting a little gardening project with a raised bed for growing fruits and veggies, but I'm a bit stuck on what soil to use. I went to a garden center and saw a ton of options, but the info on the bags was super vague, mostly just marketing terms with no clear details about nutrients. I really want nutrient-rich compost that can provide good moisture drainage and support a healthy ecosystem, possibly with mycorrhizal fungi as well. It's hard to trust that these store-bought options will sustain plants longer than a few months.
I'm in the South of England and plan to grow herbs, leafy greens, potatoes, strawberries, and other beginner-friendly stuff. Any tips or recommendations would be super helpful!
3 Answers
Why not make your own soil mix? I've had lots of success with a blend of 1 part compost, 1 part coco coir, 1 part perlite, and optionally 1 part potting soil. For added nutrients, consider using chicken manure pellets or kelp meal. Just be sure the sourced compost is reputable—look for certifications to ensure it’s free from unwanted additives!
I'd recommend layering organic materials like wood or cardboard at the bottom of your raised bed, then topping it off with whatever compost you prefer. Miracle-Gro is decent, and lots of people get great yields with it! Starting your own compost pile would also be a smart move for future gardening.
To start, just grab whatever soil is budget-friendly, and think about making your own compost as you go! Everyone relies on fertilizers these days; the natural ecosystem just isn’t around to support everything like it would in a rainforest. You might find your plants struggle without a bit of extra help!
Thanks for your input! I do have some compost I could use, but I'm unsure how much. Do you think mixing in something like perlite or coco coir would help with drainage? Just trying to make the most out of what I have.
Appreciate the tips! I have some wood to use up, and I figured older materials at the bottom would be better. Any thoughts on using liquid fertilizers later, like from comfrey? I heard that can be effective!