30 Mar What Soil to Use for Raised Garden Beds

Planting a garden is a fulfilling activity that yields beautiful flowers, herbs, and vegetables. However, amateur gardeners should understand what soil to use for raised garden beds to get the most successful growth. 

In this guide, our landscapers at Santa Rita Landscaping share helpful soil tips for your garden to flourish. Call us at (520) 623-0421 to take your outdoor garden to the next level with professional landscape design in Tucson, AZ.

The Importance of Soil in Raised Garden Beds

The soil you choose for your raised garden bed can mean the difference between plentiful harvests and seeds that struggle to sprout. Along with adequate sunlight and water, your soil is essential for healthy plant growth.

It may not look like much on the outside, but soil functions as its own ecosystem that sustains other forms of life. Healthy soil in raised garden beds helps control water, sustain plant and animal life, cycle nutrients, filter pollutants, and provide physical stability. 

Building raised garden beds gives you the benefit of convenience with your gardening. However, it’s important to fill your beds with enough healthy soil to promote the best chance of success. 

Types of Soil

Native soil is dirt already in your landscape. Native soil differs by region and supports the growth of any trees or bushes on your property. While native plants adapt well to native soil, plants you wish to put in your garden won’t fare so well. 

Topsoil, as its name implies, is the top layer of soil. Topsoil is rich in nutrients and permeable, making it a crucial consideration when asking yourself what soil to use for your raised garden beds. You’ll likely need to buy a topsoil mix to fill your beds instead of digging up all the topsoil in your yard, especially if you have sprayed it with chemicals and pesticides. 

Potting soil helps potted plants grow. Although it consists of organic materials, potting soil lacks the support that strong roots need. Leave this option for plants in pots rather than your raised garden bed. 

What Soil to Use for Raised Garden Beds

Compost-rich topsoil is your best bet for a successful harvest. It has good moisture retention and is packed with rich nutrients that plants need to thrive. Opt for a mix that features half topsoil and half compost. 

Incorporating compost adds more nutrients to the soil and retains more water. You can achieve a better garden with composted materials in your soil. You can buy specialty compost mix at landscaping retailers or supplement your garden with compost from vegetable trimmings and eggshells.

Add organic material to your soil each year for optimal plant growth. This can be as easy as spreading chopped leaves over your raised garden bed to break down over the winter. When it’s time for spring planting, your soil will be primed for the best plant growth. 

Get Professional Landscaping Design Help

From knowing what soil to use for raised garden beds to choosing the right plants, Santa Rita Landscaping can help you create an outdoor oasis. Call Tucson’s landscaping experts at (520) 623-0421.