I'm considering double digging my raised garden beds and I'm curious about how deep I should make the planting soil. I was thinking around 1 foot might be sufficient, but I'd love to get some input from others who have experience with this.
3 Answers
A foot can be a bit shallow. I use 12-inch deep beds and they usually sit an inch or two shy of the top. I dig down a full shovel depth, adding at least another 10 inches by turning over the existing soil. It helps with drainage and root development by getting into the original soil layer!
One practical approach I take is to dig out the paths around the beds and add that soil to the beds themselves. It maximizes the space and gives your plants more growing room. Definitely something to consider!
Typically, you want a minimum of 18 inches of soil for the best results. I've got raised beds that are 23 inches tall, and I fill them right to the top every year. Deeper soil helps with root growth and lets you plant closer together, which can really boost your yields!