Hey everyone! I'm trying to figure out how to source normal soil for my gardening project, not the potting mix or fancy stuff. Right now, I'm working with limited garden soil and I can't afford expensive mixes. My compost pile is also unlikely to be ready anytime soon, so I'd love some tips on where to find soil or any creative alternatives you guys use!
3 Answers
What setup do you have for your garden? If you’re working with an in-ground system, you might not need new soil right away—just some compost to enrich what you have. If you’re in an area with rocky or sandy ground, consider building raised beds. I’ve used sticks and twigs at the bottom and topped it off with a mix of topsoil and compost. Local farmer stores usually have great deals on these materials.
One method I love is screening native soil using a piece of chicken wire over a bucket. You can mix that with compost and maybe some wood chips (often free from tree services!). Gardening doesn’t have to break the bank; it just takes a bit of creativity and time. You’ve got this!
You can check with your local municipality! Many places offer community composting services where you can get compost really cheap. I scored a whole 5-gallon bucket for just a dollar last year!
Sounds impressive! But my composting is way behind since I can’t pile up enough material. The sand here isn’t great either. I’ll have to hunt for leaves from some big trees, though.