I've been working on adding raised beds over the past couple of years and I've used organic, OMRI-listed soil for all of them. Now that I've added quite a few, it's getting costly and I'm considering buying bulk soil from a local nursery. My concern is knowing what kind of soil I'm actually getting. I've read that I need to check for heavy metal contamination and pesticide residues, but apart from just asking the nursery staff and trusting their word, I have no clue how to ensure quality. Any advice for a novice like me would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
I usually get my bulk soil from a materials yard where they can supply full info on the soil's composition. It costs me around $40 per yard for topsoil and about the same for compost. If you're up for a bit of a drive, you can grab compost directly from the landfill, which comes with a complete data sheet!
I always check the bulk soil before buying. Look for a good mix of materials like clay, silt, and compost, and make sure it’s free of trash. I’ve had a mix of experiences with different vendors, and the last batch I bought was tainted with plastic! Asking for a recent soil analysis report is also crucial—if they can't provide one, it’s a red flag. A report that's 1-3 years old is usually fine if they offer the same mix.
Honestly, I prefer making my own soil mix, but if you’re leaning towards nursery soil, it's a good choice as it can be more economical in bulk. Just blend it with some amendments to fit your garden’s needs.
To get a good understanding of the soil quality, I recommend visiting the nursery in person and asking to see the raised bed soil you're considering. Talk directly to someone knowledgeable, like an employee or manager, to learn about where they source their soil. I personally called around to local nurseries to find out their suppliers, which helped me a lot! Just be thorough in your inquiry to find out how organic their products really are by researching the supplier’s reputation online.