Is This Mix Right For Raised Beds?

Question

Should we mix topsoil with mulch to fill a raised bed? Here’s why I ask…My husband and I went to our local nursery yesterday and asked them what soil to use (on a budget) for my raised beds we just built. The lady there said we should purchase 1 bag topsoil / to 3 bags mulch… mixed together. My husband was like, “great that’s cheap!” I told him I don’t think that’s right… but he bought it anyway. I’m concerned with this mixture, and wonder why the local nursery suggest this to us? I googled and can’t find this soil recipe recommendation anywhere of mixing so much mulch with topsoil to fill a raised bed. Or that the mulch inside the soil will cause disease. My worry is that the vegetables and flowers I’m planting won’t have enough soil to grow/root onto. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

I usually see recommendations of topsoil mixed with compost or aged manure. Then about 3 inches of mulch on top.

Our research recommends a mix to suit what you will be planting:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-soil-raised-garden-beds.htm