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Raised Beds – Soil Needs

May 1, 2021

While we can’t help you build the beds, we can help you fill them!

First step is deciding whether you want to use a pre-mixed blend, or to build your own…

Pre-Mixed Soil for Raised Bed Planters:

Use any pre-mixed soil specifically for planting such as Coast of Maine Penobscot Planting Mix.

Mix Your Own Soil:

Here’s a good recipe for growing vegetables above the ground:

Use 60% topsoil. If you’re using your own, you may want to screen it for weeds. Be sure to test the pH! Vegetables and herbs like a pH that’s fairly acidic. Around 6-6.8 is good. We can test your soil for free in shop if you bring a small sample with you.

Use 30% compost. Have you been composting at home? Use yours or buy a nutrient-rich compost, such as Coast of Maine Quoddy Lobster Compost. This is great for edibles and one of our best sellers.

Use 10% potting mix or soilless medium that contains vermiculite, perlite or peat moss to add lightness to the soil. Small roots need to make their way through the soil. Pro-mix potting soil is ideal.

How Much Soil Do You Need?

After deciding on the planter or bed size and configuration you want, it’s time to figure out how much soil will you need to fill it.  Use our handy calculator or the chart below it. The chart covers most typical sizes. For much deeper planters, multiply for the quantity. Most bagged soils are sold in 1 and 2 Cu. Ft. measurements.

 

Length Width Depth Soil Needed
24” 12” 8” 2 Cu. Ft.
24” 24” 8” 3 Cu. Ft.
36” 12” 8” 2 Cu. Ft.
36” 36” 8” 6 Cu. Ft.
48” 12” 8” 3 Cu. Ft.
48” 24” 8” 6 Cu. Ft.
48” 48” 8” 11 Cu. Ft.
60” 24” 8” 7 Cu. Ft.
72” 24” 8” 8 Cu. Ft.
72” 36” 8” 12 Cu. Ft.
24” 12” 12” 2 Cu. Ft.
24” 24” 12” 4 Cu. Ft.
36” 12” 12” 3 Cu. Ft.
36” 36” 12” 9 Cu. Ft.
48” 12” 12” 4 Cu. Ft.
48” 24” 12” 8 Cu. Ft.
48” 48” 12” 16 Cu. Ft.
60” 24” 12” 10 Cu. Ft.
72” 24” 12” 12 Cu. Ft.
72” 36” 12” 18 Cu. Ft

 

 

Printable version of Soil for a Raised Bed Planter