Hey everyone! I'm looking for budget-friendly ways to fill my raised garden beds. I live in a house with a terrace but no access to dirt, and I really want to get my garden started without spending a fortune. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
A great soil mix to consider would be equal parts compost or worm castings, a drainage material like pumice, and something like coco coir or peat moss. This blend works really well for growing annual veggies and fruits. I recommend checking out resources like Build-a-Soil for more recipes and ideas on mixing your own soil too.
If you're really trying to save on costs, maybe think about using materials like perlite, sand, and even grass clippings! You can fill most of your raised bed with grass, add some cardboard on top to suffocate it, and then finish it off with a layer of quality bagged soil. Just keep in mind to be cautious about free soil—urban areas can have contaminants. Always check where it’s coming from!
One of the best options for saving money is to look for free compost from your local city landfill. Some municipalities offer it for free, and it's a great way to fill your beds economically. You might need a truck to haul it, but if you can get your hands on some, it's totally worth it! Also, consider using the hugelkultur method, where you bury branches and logs at the bottom of your beds to reduce the amount of soil you need.