Raised Bed Soil Calculator
Find out exactly how much you need for your raised beds with our easy-to-use raised bed soil calculator. Simply enter the length, height, width, and number of beds, and the calculator will tell you exactly how much raised bed soil you need. It will also calculate material for the famous "Mel's Mix" from the book Square Foot Gardening.
Enter the dimensions of your raised garden bed in feet (length and width) and inches (height):
To fill the raised bed(s) you will need cubic yards ( cubic feet).
For the "Mel's Mix" Recipe You Will Need:
Compost Note: We recommend using just compost vs the Mels Mix recipe (expensive). For beds under 6 inches, just add 2-3 inches of compost. For deeper beds, use 4-6 inches and fill with native soil. In-ground gardens need 1/2 to 1 inch of compost. Adjust the calculator height to determine the compost needed.
Where to Buy Soil For Raised Beds
For filling many raised beds it’s usually more cost-effective to have material delivered from a local supplier. However, you can purchase bulk organic raised bed soil from the Coast of Maine on amazon. Below is a link to a 10 cubic foot pack as well as vermiculite and peat moss.
Raised Bed Soil - 1 Cubic Foot | Raised Bed Soil - 10 Cubic Feet | Coarse Vermiculite - 1 Cubic Foot (30 QT): | Peat Moss Organic Sphagnum - 3 Cubic Feet: |
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Amazon Link | | Amazon Link | Amazon Link |
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Additional Soil Options
Miracle-Gro Organic Raised Bed & Garden Soil with Quick Release Natural Fertilizer, Peat Free, 1 cu. ft., 2-Pack
$15.99 (as of December 5, 2024 03:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix - All Natural and Organic Potting Soil Mix for Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Raised Garden Beds. for Organic Gardening.1.5 Cubic Foot Bag
Coast of Maine Castine Blend Organic and Natural Raised Bed Mix, 1 cu ft, RTU for Growing Vegetables, Herbs and Flowers
Espoma Company (VFGS1) Organic Vegetable and Flower Soil (Тwo Рack)
Coast of Maine Castine Blend Organic and Natural Raised Bed Mix, 1 cu ft (Pack of 8), RTU for Growing Vegetables, Herbs and Flowers
Back to the Roots Organic Coco Coir Value Pack | 10lb Compressed Block Expands to 15 Gallons
$21.42 (as of December 5, 2024 03:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Coast of Maine Tomatoes and Veggies (20qt) Organic and Natural Planting Soil, Crafted for Vegetable Gardens and Organic Growers
Compressed Organic Potting Soil for Garden, Plants & Vegetables - Expands 4x When Mixed with Water - Indoor or Outdoor Use - Plant Food Mix Derived from Natural Coconut Coir & Worm Castings Fertilizer
$36.00 ($1.12 / Ounce) (as of December 5, 2024 03:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Coast of Maine Castine Blend Organic and Natural Raised Bed Mix, 1 cu ft (Pack of 2), RTU for Growing Vegetables, Herbs and Flowers
Gardener's Supply Company Organic Potting Soil Mix | High-Nutrient Compost-Based Organic Plant Soil for Indoor Outdoor Self Watering Planter Boxes, Potted Plants Raised Garden Beds - 20 Quarts
$16.99 (as of December 5, 2024 03:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)True Organic Raised Bed Plant Food Granular Fertilizer 4 lbs - CDFA, OMRI Listed for Organic Gardening NPK 6-3-6
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, 12qt – Light, Aerated Texture, Designed for All Container Plants – pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake, Effectively Retains Moisture
Wakefield Biochar Premium Garden Soil Conditioner – OMRI-Listed, FSC-Certified, 100% Organic Biochar for Raised Garden Beds, Potting Mix, Lawns, and Vegetable Gardens – 1 Gallon (1 Gallon Pack of 6)
$79.99 (as of December 5, 2024 03:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Back to the Roots 100% Organic Raised Bed Soil (60 cubic ft bulk balue) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
$499.99 (as of December 5, 2024 03:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Espoma Organic All-Purpose Garden Soil Natural and Organic in Ground Planting Mix. Use when Planting & Transplanting. For Organic gardening. 1 Cubic Foot Bag
$18.94 (as of December 5, 2024 03:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Gro-Med Coco Coir Block - 10lb Compressed Coir Fiber Brick Enriched NPK Expands Upto 80 Quarts-Organic Potting Soil for Flowers, Herbs,Low EC Planting-Growing Medium for Gardening-Seed Starter Soil
$26.49 ($0.01 / Fl Oz) (as of December 5, 2024 03:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Charlie's Compost - Organic Fertilizer for Home Gardens, Raised Beds, Containers, Natural Soil Amendment with Biochar 10lb
$25.99 ($0.16 / Ounce) (as of December 5, 2024 13:12 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Generic Soil Activated, 2024 New Organic Soil Activator & Plant Fertilizer for Raised Garden Beds, Potting Mix, and Seedling Compost Prevent Compaction, Promote Plant Rooting, Brown
$9.09 (as of December 5, 2024 13:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)How Can This Raised Bed Soil Calculator Help You?
First, a soil calculator can help you determine the correct amount of soil you need to fill your raised bed. This is important because having to little soil in the bed could be a problem.
Second, a soil calculator can help you save money by ensuring that you purchase only the amount of soil you need. This can help you avoid overspending or ending up with excess soil that you don't need.
In addition to using a soil calculator to help you purchase the right amount and type of soil for your raised garden bed, you can also save money on soil costs by incorporating other materials into your bed. One option is to fill a portion of the bed with rotted wood, such as logs or branches from the forest. This can not only help save on soil costs, but it can also add organic matter to the soil, which can improve its structure and fertility.
Rotted wood breaks down over time, releasing nutrients back into the soil and helping to improve its structure. It can also help to increase the amount of water and air that the soil can hold, which can be beneficial for plant growth.
By incorporating rotted wood into your raised garden bed, you can save money on soil costs while also improving the health and fertility of the soil for your plants.
Overall, using a soil calculator when buying soil for your raised garden bed can help you ensure that your plants have the right amount and type of soil to thrive, while also helping you make cost-effective purchasing decisions.
Raised Bed Soil Frequently Ask Questions
What is the Mel's Mix recipe mentioned in the calculator results?
The Mells Mix recipe is a soil mixture recommended in the book Square Foot Gardening. It consists of equal parts compost, peat moss, and coarse vermiculite. The Mells Mix recipe is designed to provide a well-draining and nutrient-rich growing environment for plants. It was coined by Mel Bartholomew, an American author, engineer, and television personality who is best known for his work in the field of gardening, particularly his method of Square Foot Gardening which emphasizes the use of raised beds and a grid system to maximize the use of space in a small garden.
To create the mix, you will need to purchase compost, peat moss, and coarse vermiculite in the appropriate amounts based on the size of your raised bed. The raised bed soil calculator can help you determine the amounts of each component you will need to create the Mells Mix for your bed.
How do I use the raised bed soil calculator?
To use the raised bed soil calculator, enter the length, width, and height of your raised garden bed in feet (length and width) and inches (height). Then enter the number of beds you have. Click the "Calculate" button to determine the amount of soil you need to fill your raised bed(s). The calculator will display the amount of soil you need in cubic yards and cubic feet.
How much soil do I need for my raised garden bed?
The amount of soil you need for your raised garden bed will depend on the dimensions of your bed and the number of beds you have. To determine the exact amount of soil you need, use the raised bed soil calculator by entering the dimensions of your bed and the number of beds you have. The calculator will provide you with the amount of soil you need in cubic yards and cubic feet.
Can I use other materials besides soil in my raised garden bed?
In addition to soil, you can also incorporate other materials into your raised garden bed to save on costs and improve the health and fertility of the soil. One option is to add rotted wood, such as logs or branches from the forest, to your bed. Rotted wood breaks down over time, releasing nutrients back into the soil and helping to improve its structure. It can also help to increase the amount of water and air that the soil can hold, which can be beneficial for plant growth.
Where can I buy soil for my raised garden bed?
You can purchase bulk raised bed soil from a local supplier or online from retailers such as the Coast of Maine. It is usually cost effective to have material delivered from a local supplier, but you can also purchase soil in smaller quantities from a garden center or home improvement store. If you are interested in purchasing soil online, you can find a variety of options on websites such as Amazon listed above
Can I use the calculator to determine the amount of soil I need for a container garden?
Yes, you can use the raised bed soil calculator to determine the amount of soil you need for a container garden. Simply enter the dimensions of your container in feet (length and width) and inches (height) as the length, width, and height of the raised garden bed in the calculator. Enter "1" as the number of beds. The calculator will provide you with the amount of soil you need in cubic yards and cubic feet to fill your container.
How much soil I do I need for a in-ground garden?
For an in-ground garden you need to amend 1 to 2 inches of compost into 6 to 8 inches of the existing topsoil. To find how much total compost you need, enter 2 inches for the height and for the length and width, the total length and width of your in-ground garden.
Can I use the calculator to determine the amount of soil I need for a greenhouse or indoor garden?
Yes, you can use the raised bed soil calculator to determine the amount of soil you need for a greenhouse or indoor garden. Simply enter the dimensions of your greenhouse or indoor garden space in feet (length and width) and inches (height) as the length, width, and height of the raised garden bed in the calculator. Enter "1" as the number of beds. The calculator will provide you with the amount of soil you need in cubic yards and cubic feet to fill your greenhouse or indoor garden space.
How often should I replace the soil in my raised garden bed?
The frequency with which you should replace the soil in your raised garden bed will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of plants you are growing, the soil quality, and your gardening practices. In general, it is a good idea to topdress your garden beds with organic compst after every groowing season. This can help to ensure that your plants have access to the nutrients they need and that the soil is in good condition. To refresh the soil, you can mix in compost or other organic matter to improve its structure and fertility, or you can completely replace the soil if necessary.
What are some tips for maintaining the soil in my raised garden bed?
Here are some tips for maintaining the soil in your raised garden bed:
- Add compost or other organic matter to the soil regularly to improve its structure and fertility.
- Use mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds in the bed.
- Consider using a soil conditioner or amendment, such as lime or sulfur, to adjust the pH of the soil as needed.
- Incorporate rotted wood into the soil to add organic matter and improve the structure of the soil when establishing new raised beds.
- Use a soil test to determine the specific needs of your soil and make any necessary adjustments based on the test results.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when filling a raised garden bed?
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when filling a raised garden bed:
- Not using the correct amount of soil: Make sure to use the correct amount of soil for your raised bed as determined by the raised bed soil calculator. Having too little soil in the bed could be a problem, while having too much could lead to excess soil costs.
- Not using the right type of soil: Choose a soil that is appropriate for the type of plants you are growing - consider using a soil mix or adding compost or other organic matter to improve the structure and fertility of the soil.
- Not properly preparing the soil: Before filling your raised bed, make sure you remove any big rocks or gravel if possible. This will help to ensure that your plants have a healthy growing environment and can easily access the nutrients they need.
- Not properly watering the soil: Proper watering is essential for plant growth. Make sure to water your raised bed consistently, but be careful not to overwater or let the soil dry out completely. You can use a moisture meter to help determine when your soil needs watering.
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