Guide To Filling A Raised Garden Bed

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Raised garden beds are super popular right now, and it's easy to see why. They're off the ground, so you don't have to bend or kneel, which is great if your knees or back aren't feeling too hot!

These beds also make growing fresh fruits, herbs, and veggies a breeze. You can have different beds with different soils to make each plant happy. Plus, they're easier to take care of because weeds have a tough time growing through the bottom.

If you're thinking of getting one of these raised garden beds, it's important to know how to fill them up right for happy, healthy plants. This article has all the basics you need, like what kind of soil to use.

How to Fill a Raised Garden Bed in Six Easy Steps

To get started on growing your own fresh and tasty produce at home, you just need to follow six simple steps and make a quick trip to the local nursery or hardware store for supplies!

Step 1: Prep your garden bed

Find a nice, flat spot for your garden bed. It could be in your garden, on the deck, or even on the driveway. If it's on grass, make sure to get rid of the grass underneath by making it dead and taking it out before adding gravel and soil.

Step 2: Put in a drainage layer

Now, let's do some "lasagna gardening" by adding layers of good, fertile soil and gravel that lets water drain away. Fill the bottom of your raised garden bed with stuff from around your home, like cardboard from the packaging of the bed you're setting up. You could also use leaves, logs, and sticks, but check what your plants need first. Leave about 300mm of space on top for soil and mulch.

Optional: If you want, you can add a weed mat or some garden fabric on top of the drainage layer. This lets water through but keeps soil and potting mix bits in place.

Step 3: Include a layer of regular garden soil

Using cheap soil mixes may not be the best idea if you want your plants to thrive. It's better to go for 100% natural soil, Certified Organic soil, or a special mix like a booster or fertiliser-controlled soil.

Avoid using ground soil from your existing garden. This can lead to long-term issues like waterlogging, weeds, and poor plant growth. When gardening season rolls around, you'll want to see your plants flourish!

For the best soil for a vegetable garden in a raised bed, go for a mixture with plenty of rich organic matter. Vegetables need a bit more care than other plants, so look for soil with compost and organic materials like leaves or aged shredded bark.

Whether you're growing fruits or vegetables, they both prefer rich, moist, and well-drained potting soil with neutral acidity. However, keep in mind that some plants like potatoes and most berries love naturally acidic soil.

Step 4: Add quality potting mix

Now, throw in some premium potting mix. Look for top-notch soil, like 100% natural soil, Certified Organic soil, premium boost soil with organics, or premium soil with controlled-release fertilizer. These soils stay moist and won't dry out like regular garden soil.

Around 300mm of potting mix is perfect for growing most fruits, herbs, and veggies, including root vegetables like carrots or parsnips.

Step 5: Water the soil to settle it & add mulch

Instead of pushing the soil down, give it a good watering so it can settle on its own. Then, sprinkle a layer of sugarcane mulch (about 100mm) on top of your raised garden bed. This helps keep the soil moist and controls temperature.

Step 6: Let the planting begin!

Now that all the layers are in place, it's time to start planting! Think tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, lemongrass, basil, onions, pansies, and petunias — the choices are almost endless with a raised garden bed!

Kickstart a thriving garden in your backyard with a selection of raised garden beds!

Ready to dive into raised bed gardening? Pick the perfect ones for your garden on Amazon now. Our editorial team has curated the best selection of raised garden beds with thorough testing! These beds feature an innovative SNAPTiTE assembly system—no tools required. The bed sheets effortlessly slide into the posts and lock into place.

Check out the Top Raised Garden Beds for 2024 from our selection list. Assembling them only takes about five minutes, allowing you to swiftly move on to preparing the bed for planting. All you need are some aggregates, a weed mat, topsoil, premium potting mix, mulch, and, of course, your seeds or seedlings!

Explore the Top 9 Raised Garden Beds here and get your garden started today!