Raised Bed Garden Soil Preparation

Raised bed gardens are great for places with poor native soil. We suggest filling yours with a mixture of two-thirds topsoil and one-third compost. We've listed the step-by-step instructions here, with a link to a video demonstration - and a link to the next step in completing your raised garden.

Instructions

Materials needed for 4' x 12' raised bed garden:

  • 4 cubic yards of soil
  • 4 cubic yards of topsoil
  • Sweet Peet® or other compost
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Gardening gloves
  • Shovel
  • Rake
  • TrimmerPlus® cultivator
  1. Place the topsoil and the compost in the box - do not layer the two materials.
  2. Use a shovel to gently mix the soil, then use a hand cultivator - such as a TrimmerPlus® attachment - to further incorporate the mix.
  3. Rake smooth.
  4. The final soil should be loose enough for you to insert your finger up to the knuckle.