After creating raised beds, you may be wondering how best to fill them. Raised beds usually require a mixture of soil and compost. You can mix the soil with the compost until evenly distributed, or spread it out in layers-what's known as the “lasagne gardening method.” Both are equally effective, but the lasagna method is sometimes cheaper and easier if you make the beds high enough.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Mixing Soil and Compost
Step 1. Calculate how much soil is needed
Measure the dimensions of the bed using a measuring tape. Check the length, width and depth of the beds. Plug this into a soil volume calculator that you can find online. Just search on Google. You can try this one of them:
Remember, the soil will be mixed with compost. So, the amount you get from the calculator is the volume that must be reached after the soil is mixed with the compost
Step 2. Collect native soil in the garden if possible
The best soil is native land that is in your area. If there is excess soil in the garden, only collect as much as needed. Put it in a bucket or wheelbarrow and pour it onto the bed.
Step 3. Purchase a nutrient-rich soil mix if native soil doesn't work
If you don't have any garden soil to work with, just buy humus or an artificial soil mix at a garden supply store. If you want to mix purchased soil with real garden soil, make sure they are of the same consistency. Inconsistent soil can result in water drainage problems.
Step 4. Make your own compost or buy one
You can make your own compost by decomposing organic matter in a compost bin. If you have enough compost in your personal compost bin, just use what's available. If you don't have one or you need more, buy compost from a plant store.
Read the label on the package or ask the shopkeeper to find out what ingredients are in the compost. The best compost is made primarily from plants, food waste, and animal manure
Step 5. Mix the soil and compost in a 1:1 ratio
The compost and soil mixture should be evenly distributed. For a good fit, measure the amount of soil and compost before pouring into the bed, or just estimate the amount by looking. You don't have to be absolutely precise. Once the soil and compost have been poured onto the bed, mix thoroughly with your hands or a garden tool such as a hoe.
Wear gloves when you mix with your hands
Step 6. Remove rocks from the soil mixture
Remove rocks when you see them and move them elsewhere in the garden. Too many large rocks will make it difficult for plant growth.
Step 7. Fill the beds almost to the brim
The level of the soil in the bed depends on your choice and the type of plants you want to plant. If the plant will grow straight up-like tomatoes-level the soil to the surface of the bed. If you are planting flowers, leave some space at the top of the bed. In this way, the blooming flowers will stand out more.
Method 2 of 2: Filling Beds with the Lasagna Gardening Method
Step 1. Gather compostable organic matter, such as grass clippings and leaves
With the lasagna gardening method, the bottom layer is filled with compost and the top layer is filled with soil. When making compost layers, many gardeners use a mixture consisting of 2 parts leaf shreds and 1 part grass clippings. If you have one, collect leaves from trees you have and grass clippings from your yard.
If you don't have leaves and grass, ask your local plant store for alternatives
Step 2. Spread the compost at the bottom of the bed
Spread the compostable materials evenly on the bottom of the bed. Fill half the height of the bed with this material. If you are using several different types of compost, mix them all by hand.
Step 3. Place a layer of cardboard or newspaper on top of the compost
This paper will separate the compost from the soil. If you are using newsprint, spread it in 2-3 layers. If using cardboard, 1 layer is enough. Make sure a layer of cardboard or newspaper covers the entire compost to the edges.
Step 4. Prepare the soil to coat the top of the compost
Ideally, use native soil that is in the garden. If you need an alternative, go to your local plant store and buy a humus or soil substitute.
Step 5. Remove the rocks from the ground
Use your hands and feel the soil to make sure there's nothing that can interfere with plant growth. If there are stones, pick them up and move them to another place in the garden, or maybe place them in the garden or to the beach later.
Step 6. Fill the beds to full or almost full
Spread the soil directly over a layer of cardboard or newspaper. If you want to plant something that grows straight up like tomatoes, add the soil until it fills the bed. If you are planting flowers, leave some space at the top of the bed.
