How To Fill Raised Garden Beds – [With Simple 5 Layer!]

Raised garden beds are a great way to grow your own vegetables, but filling them with soil can get expensive. You can save money by using a mix of topsoil and compost instead of just purchasing bags of garden soil. 

I’ve found that filling the bottom half of the bed with cheaper organic materials like wood, grass clippings, and straw can also help. These materials break down over time, enriching the soil while reducing the amount of expensive topsoil needed.

Combining these practices allows you to create a healthy growing environment for your plants without breaking the bank. Check out this detailed guide for filling a raised bed with healthy soil and saving money to get started.

Layer 1: Cardboard (Free)

Starting with cardboard as the first layer in a raised garden bed is both cost-effective and practical. It’s a great way to recycle materials you probably already have at home.

Using cardboard helps to block weeds from growing up into your garden bed. It acts as a barrier and decomposes over time, enriching the soil.

Steps to Lay Cardboard

1. Gather Cardboard: Use plain, non-waxed cardboard. Avoid boxes with glossy prints or lots of ink.
2. Prepare the Cardboard: Remove any tape, labels, or staples. Cut the cardboard into manageable pieces.
3. Lay It Down: Place the pieces of cardboard on the bottom of your raised bed, overlapping the edges. Ensure full coverage to prevent weeds from sneaking through.

Benefits of Using Cardboard

• Weed Prevention: Effectively blocks weeds from growing up.
• Recycling: It’s eco-friendly because you are reusing materials.
• Improved Soil: Breaks down and adds organic material to your soil.

Using cardboard is simple and effective, and it sets a solid foundation for your garden bed. Plus, it’s a great way to save on costs since it’s likely you’ll have some around the house!

Layer 2: Logs & Sticks (Free- Minimal Cost)

When it comes to filling raised garden beds cheaply, using logs and sticks as a base layer is a smart move. This method is both cost-effective and eco-friendly.

I always start with larger logs at the bottom of the raised bed. They help improve drainage and slowly decompose, adding nutrients to the soil over time.

Next, I add a mix of smaller sticks and branches on top of the logs. This adds bulk to the raised bed without costing a dime. The gaps between the sticks allow for excellent aeration, which is great for root health.

Here’s a quick overview:

Make sure to fill about one-third of your bed with logs and sticks. This ensures you have enough space left for nutrient-rich soil on top.

I like to collect my sticks and logs from fallen branches around the yard. It’s a great way to recycle natural materials and save money on soil. If you don’t have enough, ask neighbors or check local parks for fallen branches.

Using logs and sticks not only saves money but also helps create a thriving, healthy garden.

Layer 3: Green & Brown Matter (Free- Minimal)

The third layer in your raised garden bed consists of green and brown organic matter. This layer is crucial for creating a nutrient-rich environment for your plants.

Green matter includes kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings. These are rich in nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth.

On the other hand, brown matter entails dry leaves, straw, wood chips, and even shredded newspaper. Browns provide carbon, balancing the nutrient ratio of your compost layer.

To get the best results, you should aim for a balance between green and brown materials. An easy way to do this is by layering them alternately. For instance:

1. Start with a thin layer of brown matter.
2. Add a layer of green matter.
3. Repeat until you’ve reached the desired height.

Tip: Avoid large chunks in this layer. Chop or shred materials to help them break down faster.

Collecting these materials can be easy and inexpensive. For example, save your kitchen scraps in a small compost bin. Ask neighbors for their raked leaves or grass clippings.

This layer not only adds nutrients but also aids in proper drainage and aeration. Your plants’ roots will benefit immensely from the decomposing organic matter below them.

Lastly, keep an eye on moisture levels. This layer should be moist but not waterlogged, as too much moisture can cause unwanted odors and slow down decomposition.

Adding green and brown matter to your raised bed not only enriches the soil but also helps you save on costly soil amendments. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to recycle organic waste!

Layer 4: Compost & Manure

When it comes to filling raised garden beds, including a layer of compost and manure is a game-changer.

Compost enriches the soil with essential nutrients. I usually add a 2-4 inch layer of compost on top of the soil mix. Compost improves soil structure, helping with drainage and retaining moisture.

Manure is another great addition. It provides a rich source of nitrogen, which is vital for plant growth. I recommend using well-aged manure to avoid burning the plants from excess nitrogen.

Benefits of Compost & Manure

• Nutrient-Rich: Both compost and manure increase nutrient content.
• Improves Soil Structure: Enhances drainage and moisture retention.
• Encourages Microbial Activity: Boosts beneficial microbes in the soil.

How to Apply?

1. Spread Evenly: Distribute 2-3 inches of compost evenly across the bed.
2. Mix: Lightly mix the compost with the top layer of soil.
3. Add Manure: Follow with a thin layer of well-aged manure, about 1-2 inches.
4. Blend: Blend the manure into the compost layer for even distribution.

Remember, consistency is key. Adding compost and manure yearly will keep your soil in top condition. For more details on filling raised garden beds, check out this guide. Happy gardening!

Layer 5: Soil

Now we get to the most important part of the garden bed: the soil. This is where your plants will get their nutrients.

I find that a good mix for raised garden beds is typically 75% topsoil and 25% compost. This blend works well because topsoil provides structure, while compost adds essential nutrients.

Here’s a quick list for easy reference:

• 75% topsoil
• 25% compost

For the topsoil, I prefer to use clay-based soil if available, as clay has good nutrients.

However, if your local topsoil is mostly sandy, you could mix in more compost, increasing the compost percentage to about 30%. This helps to improve the soil structure and nutrient content.

When adding soil to the raised bed, ensure you don’t compact it. Loose soil allows roots to grow more freely, which is essential for healthy plants.

After filling, water the soil lightly to help it settle.

One tip to save money is to use a layering method.

Instead of filling the entire bed with topsoil, you can use other organic materials at the bottom of the bed, like wood chips, grass clippings, or straw. This reduces the amount of soil needed and helps with drainage.

Using high-quality compost is key. You can either buy it or make your own at home by composting kitchen scraps and yard waste.

Healthy compost is dark and crumbly and has a rich earthy smell.

With these tips, you can fill your raised garden bed effectively while also saving money. Happy gardening!