I'm looking to set up a raised garden bed, but I can't buy soil in bulk—only bagged options. What bagged soil blends do you recommend? Should I mix the raised garden bed soil with bags of compost and topsoil? If mixing is a good idea, what specific products do you suggest?
3 Answers
You can make a fantastic mix for your raised bed by creating your own blend! A popular ratio is 1/3 compost, 1/3 topsoil, and 1/3 perlite or vermiculite. Topsoil is a budget-friendly filler, while compost adds essential nutrients to help your plants thrive. Plus, consider throwing in some earthworm castings to really boost the nutrient profile! Check out some videos online for tips on mixing it yourself; they can be super helpful.
I recently saw this highly recommended organic compost (Blue Ribbon Organic Compost) that looks really promising! It’s OMRI certified and seems way better than most of the generic composts out there. The guys in the composting community seem to love it. If you're looking for a reliable compost to mix with your soil, it’s worth checking out!
If you're considering specific brands, it would be helpful to know the options available in your area since soil tends to vary regionally. My favorites might not be available where you are. For some solid suggestions, try looking into Miracle-Gro, Kellogg, or Back to the Roots. They usually have good bagged options that do well in raised beds! You might also find some local brands that are great.