I just purchased 8 large raised beds for gardening, and I'm trying to figure out how to fill them without breaking the bank on soil. I've heard that I could partially fill them with mulch and then add soil on top. Is that a good idea, or could it harm my vegetable plants? I'm really new to this whole gardening thing!
1 Answer
Using mulch as a filling material isn't really a good idea. Mulch is meant to be a top layer to help with weed control and moisture retention, not a substitute for soil. You should focus on filling your beds with rich compost or manure, as these will provide the necessary nutrients for your veggies. I found it isn’t too expensive—regular compost can be around $5.99 a bag! Last year I bought super compost that was a bit pricier, but it was worth it to avoid mixing multiple materials.