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Questions About Raised Garden Beds

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    June 4, 2024
    Certified Expert
    A.

    If you cannot remove the rims, then you will want to treat this as a very shallow pot. There are many things that you can grow in there. Small plants and herbs, like dill or thyme, are good candidates. There are plenty of ornamentals, too. These articles will offer more insight to what will grow happily.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/tiny-flowering-plants.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/fragrant-container-plants.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/vegetables-in-small-spaces.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/urban/gardens-in-small-spaces.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    January 22, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Soil from a garden plot will be too thick, especially with adding compost. The article included goes over it in more detail. You want as loose of a soil as you can get. If you go with garden soil instead of compost, make sure you loosen it up with extra perlite or vermiculite. It'll need to be mixed very thouroughly.

    Now if this is premixed garden soil, and not from your garden plot, then you will want to leave out potting soil. Usually, pre-bagged mixed will have been mixed correctly.

    One more thing. I looked back and saw where you had mentioned topsoil. Again, I would either leave it out, or if it is very loose, then replace half the compost with it. You really just don't want to compact the soil in a raised bed. It leads to problems later when it compacts at the bottom of the bed.

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    January 21, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I think that you could get away without the garden soil, and mix what you have, except for the shredded plants. You may want to compost those separately if it is green material. Strawberries are very forgiving, and many types are considered invasive in my area. Actually, I can't control them, and they have traveled all around my house in very poor soil.

    Here are some articles that will help:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/strawberry

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm

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  • Answered by
    lynnwilby@talktalk.net on
    January 21, 2025
    A.

    Thanks although I'm not sure what you mean about not adding garden soil. the majority of the fill will necessarily be garden soil.

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    April 9, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Start with low-growers like aubrieta and heuchera near the front—they’ll give early color and ground-level texture. Mix in geums and salvias through the middle for a long summer run, Near the back against the hedge, use penstemons and coreopsis for height and late color, and tuck in a brunnera or astrantia for some shade-tolerant charm and a softer contrast. Keep it deadheaded and well-mulched. Here is an article that can help with planning and designing:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    April 10, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I recommend to use the layering method to reduce soil costs and improve long-term structure. Start with about a foot, 12–16 inches of woody debris (logs, branches, sticks) for water retention and airflow. Add 8–12 inches of organic matter (shredded leaves, straw, grass clippings, cardboard), then top with 6–8 inches of compost/topsoil blend in a 1:1 ratio. Source bulk materials locally from landscaping yards or city compost programs to keep it as cheap as possible. Finish with about 2–4 inches of mulch to reduce evaporation. You can also supplement that with coconut coir or peat moss to improve moisture retention. This method holds water efficiently, resists compaction, and thrives in high heat and low rainfall. Ideal for a more dry climate.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-bed-soil-depth.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/raised-bed-drainage

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/thrifty-ideas-to-grow-a-garden-for-almost-free

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    July 17, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Yes, I do think it is too hot for the seedlings. It should be amended with potting soil rather than topsoil, though. Top soil can be a little thick too, depending on the consistency of it. Adding perlite or vermiculite will ABSOLUTELY help. It will need to be mixed in thoroughly. It is worth noting that out of those, lettuce seeds will need some light to germinate. I would recommend spreading those where they can get some light.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/compost-as-soil-amendment.htm

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