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Message
Cheapest way to fill raised beds?
Posted on 1/1/21 at 8:34 am
Posted on 1/1/21 at 8:34 am
I didn’t want to break the bank filling a newly built 4x8, but don’t want to sacrifice quality. Is buying bulk non bagged from garden center the way to go or is there a cheaper option?
8
Posted on 1/1/21 at 8:55 am to Columbia
Yeah, a yard of topsoil runs ~$30
Posted on 1/1/21 at 9:22 am to good_2_geaux
quote:
Yeah, a yard of topsoil runs ~$30
Depending on how high he has the sides, it may take more than a cubic yard of topsoil.
I built one 4 x 12 x 1 ft. tall and a cubic yard didn't fill it, plus as the soil sits for a while, it will settle and show less volume in the bed.
But yes, get the soil from a compost/soil company.
Not sure where you are, but there's one in Kenner and they will fill the bed of a pickup for a reasonable price. It's been a while since I got soil from them, but the last time it was $35.
The company name is Reliable Soil Co. and the number is 467-1078, located in Kenner, La.
Posted on 1/1/21 at 9:32 am to Columbia
Dig a pond in your yard. Pump the standing rain water for your irrigation.
Posted on 1/1/21 at 9:39 am to Columbia
quote:
Is buying bulk non bagged from garden center the way to go or is there a cheaper option?
Unless you can find some for free.....
A 4x8 bed 10” deep should take exactly a yard of dirt. 12” deep will need a little bit more. The garden soil from my local garden center is also much better quality than cheap bagged soil.
Posted on 1/1/21 at 10:06 am to Columbia
A 4 x 8 x 1 ft deep is roughly 1 cubic yard (27 cubic feet). As stated a yard of “garden soil/mix” in bulk is a about $35/40 - at least in Baton Rouge. Garden soil/mix/“top soil” is just composted forest products with some sand mixed in. I use it in raised vegetable beds, usually I supplement it with some composted animal manure.
This post was edited on 1/1/21 at 12:17 pm
Posted on 1/1/21 at 10:15 am to good_2_geaux
I’m in Brandon MS. I’m sure they’re some good options.
Posted on 1/1/21 at 10:21 am to Columbia
Put a bunch of sticks, branches, bark and/or decaying wood in the bottom of the bed. It’s called “Hugelkultur“
Posted on 1/1/21 at 11:53 am to Man4others
quote:
Hugelkultur
That was an interesting Google search
Posted on 1/1/21 at 12:28 pm to Man4others
quote:
It’s called “Hugelkultur“
That show "Homestead Rescue" where the Rainey family that includes the dad, son and daughter heading out to off grid homesteads to help them get their places in better order often show the daughter promoting hugelkultur as a viable option for gardening.
It is especially good in arid regions where water can be scarce sometimes. She often makes huge piles in rows and starts off with large decaying logs then smaller and smaller debris as the pile grows, then topped off with soil and then mulch before planting.
Posted on 1/1/21 at 1:56 pm to gumbo2176
Depends how long you want to wait for the soil to get good.
Posted on 1/1/21 at 2:58 pm to Columbia
I'm not sure how deep/tall your beds are, but I have filled the bottom half of beds with small limbs, wood chunks, leaves, grass clippings, stump chips, etc for beds that were 18" or taller.
The top 10" or so is what really matters most. You should be able to find someone to dump a yard of topsoil for cheap in MS.
The top 10" or so is what really matters most. You should be able to find someone to dump a yard of topsoil for cheap in MS.
Posted on 1/1/21 at 7:46 pm to MLU
+1
Posted on 1/1/21 at 8:54 pm to Columbia
Leaves are also great material to incorporate into your garden put a thick layer on top to act as much and till in next season
Posted on 1/2/21 at 12:25 pm to Columbia
get a load of shredded bark
mix 1/3 bark, 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 compost (from the bag, it has sand in it).
the result will be a well drained bed soil with plenty of air and plenty of organic matter (that will continue to rot)
mix 1/3 bark, 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 compost (from the bag, it has sand in it).
the result will be a well drained bed soil with plenty of air and plenty of organic matter (that will continue to rot)
Posted on 1/2/21 at 11:52 pm to Columbia
quote:
I’m in Brandon MS. I’m sure they’re some good options.
Lakeland yard and garden should have a good humus mix for a raised bed. Or have them do half a yard of topsoil and half a yard of humus and mix them in.
This post was edited on 1/2/21 at 11:53 pm
Posted on 1/3/21 at 11:26 am to CheEngineer
quote:
Leaves are also great material to incorporate into your garden put a thick layer on top to act as much and till in next season
I do this by picking up bags of oak leaves people rake and sweep up here in N.O.
The only problem with that is sometimes there are lots of acorns mixed in with the leaves and they tend to sprout while the leaves are breaking down between seasons.
By spring I've got a nice layer of compost to till under for my summer garden.
Posted on 1/3/21 at 6:09 pm to Cdawg
quote:
Lakeland yard and garden should have a good humus mix for a raised bed. Or have them do half a yard of topsoil and half a yard of humus and mix them in
Thanks. That’s normally my go to spot. Just haven’t priced them yet, but they’re always very helpful.
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