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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.