How to Make Raised Bed Soil Mix

easyGardening1-2 hours6 steps

Safety Warnings

stainless steel hand trowel — sturdy pointed blade for mixing

garden fork — long-tined forged steel

well-rotted manure — decomposed organic matter(up to 50% of total volume)

garden loam — sifted topsoil(approx. 1/3 to 1/2 of total volume)

leafmold — decomposed deciduous leaves(approx. 1/3 of total volume)

sand — coarse granular sand(approx. 1/3 of total volume)

Prepare the base by selecting a high and dry site for the raised bed structure.

Tip: Ensure the site is clear of debris before adding soil.

Apply a layer of fresh, moist manure to the bottom of the bed, filling up to half the depth of the bed.

Tip: Trample the manure down firm to create a solid foundation.

Prepare the top layer mix by combining one-third garden loam, one-third sand, and one-third leafmold.

Tip: Use a coarse screen to sift the loam for a smoother consistency.

Incorporate well-rotted manure into the loam mixture to increase richness.

Tip: Ensure the manure is thoroughly decomposed so most of the heat has left.

Fill the remaining top half of the bed with the prepared soil mix.

Tip: Pack the soil firmly to prevent excessive settling.

Add a final surface layer of 4 to 6 inches of good garden soil containing plenty of humus.

Tip: This allows water to soak through more readily to the root zone.

For specialized drainage, mix pulverized plaster or lime refuse with two-thirds garden loam.
If using a 'hotbed' style, use moist, hot manure at the bottom to generate heat for early growth.
Ensure a porous material like leafmold is used as a distributor between heat-generating manure and the top loam layer.

Synthesized from 4 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →

Gutenberg: Home Vegetable GardeningView →

Gutenberg: A-B-C of Vegetable GardeningView →