I'm transitioning from pots to raised garden beds this year and I'm looking for some guidance on the best type of soil to use. Should I go with garden top soil, potting mix, or a combination of both? I plan on layering with cardboard, sticks, and some cheap garden soil my HOA provides, along with good soil from local garden centers. I'm also considering adding mulch on top. After a disappointing experience with my potted garden last year (I switched from Miracle-Gro to Pro-Mix potting vegetable soil), I'm really hoping to improve my results this time! Any advice would be much appreciated!
3 Answers
Potting mix is often too pricey and made for containers, while garden top soil can lack nutrients. You’ll want to either buy or make a special blend suited for raised beds. And don't skimp on mulch! It’s super important. You can use shredded leaves or straw instead of wood mulch; they work great too!
I actually use a potting mix base for all my raised beds too. I mix in compost and fertilizer depending on what I’m growing, and it works really well!
When it comes to raised beds, potting soil and garden soil are not the same. Potting soil is usually heavier and costs more, plus it’s designed for containers. You might want to check out Millennial Gardener on YouTube—he's got some awesome tips on filling raised beds economically while still maintaining quality.
I completely agree! He has a ton of videos specifically on raised bed soil, covering not just filling them but also how to maintain them year after year. Definitely a great resource!