I'm setting up a couple of raised beds (32 cubic feet each) to grow a variety of veggies and herbs. As this is only my second time gardening, I'm looking for advice on the best soil combination to use for these beds. Any recommendations?
3 Answers
A good rule of thumb is to mix 50% topsoil with 50% organic matter. You could use all compost or a mix of compost with peat moss or coco coir. If you have dense clay soil like I do, a custom mix like 5 parts topsoil, 4 parts compost, 2 parts peat moss, and 1 part perlite works great for better texture and drainage!
It's important to consider that climate can really impact what soil mix works for you. For example, areas like coastal San Diego might need a lighter mix, while hotter and drier places could use something heavier. I'd suggest checking out the raised bed soil mixes available locally, as they'll be tailored for your specific conditions. Also, grab a copy of the Sunset Western Garden Book; it's super helpful for figuring out planting based on your zone!
I prefer to keep things simple! In my raised bed, I mixed logs, branches, dry leaves, and some topsoil from my backyard along with a raised bed mix. It really creates a rich environment for plants!
Thanks for the tip on the book, I'll definitely check that out!