Creating the perfect raised bed soil is imperative when starting a productive raised garden. The perfect mix provides water holding capabilities, root aeration, compaction prevention and contains nutrient rich components.
While many recipes can be used to create a great raised garden soil, most soils consist of components of compost, top soil, peat moss and perlite or vermiculite. Many ratios have been tested, and while not one is the only correct ratio, there are many good ratios that work for many different scenarios. We have found that a good ratio is 40% top soil, 30% compost and 30% potting soil containing peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and bark. The top soil percentage may need to be increased or decreased depending on the consistency of the top soil.
When mixing the raised garden soil, add each component in a thin layer at a time, mixing as you have added each layer to make sure that the layers are becoming incorporated in a consistent manner. Continue layering the components and mixing until the raised garden is filled. Adding a granular fertilizer while mixing the last 6-10 inches would benefit the planting. Espoma Bio Tone Starter is an excellent choice to start plants, and then topdressing with an additional granular fertilizer in mid-summer.
In the fall, clean out all of the plants in the raised garden that are not perennial completely to prevent diseases and decrease insects harboring in the soil. The following spring, incorporate compost as well as Espoma Bio Tone Starter to start a new season of growing, with fresh nutrient rich soil.
