Building a Raised Garden Bed - Knowledgebase Question

Fayetteville, No
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Question by Youngjediwif
March 3, 2009
I have to build a garden bed as a cheap solution to having awful soil. So I would like to know the steps in preparing it before I put soil and plants in it.


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Answer from NGA
March 3, 2009
It is a good idea to "transition" soil from one type to another. Plant roots will cross over into another soil type better if the interface is not so sudden. I would place about 4" of new topsoil in the bed area, rototill or spade it into the native soil to mix them a bit, and then add another 4-6" and repeat the mixing of the surface 8" or so. It would certainly be a good idea to mix some well decomposed compost (or composted bark) into the new topsoil you are adding if it doesn't already have some included. A 50:50 mix is great if you can get that much. Your beds can be about 10-12" high for most annuals and perennials, 12-16" for the shrubs. Good luck with your new raised beds!

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