Raised garden beds have become a staple for many gardening enthusiasts and homesteaders, offering numerous advantages, from better soil quality to improved pest control. However, one challenge that often arises is the cost associated with filling these beds with quality soil.
The best way to cheaply fill a raised garden bed is to follow a coarse-to-fine material approach, with the coarse organic material at the bottom and the finest material at the top. The material can be sourced from your own garden, community gardens, neighbors, landscapers, or tree felling services.
Filling your raised garden beds doesn’t have to empty your wallet. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, there are cost-effective methods to get the job done without compromising the health of your plants. We will guide you on how to cheaply fill a raised garden bed, using materials that are both budget-friendly and beneficial for your garden’s growth.
Filling A Raised Garden Bed Cost-Effectively
For many reasons, raised garden beds are beneficial for growing food crops. The additional height allows for easier garden bed maintenance, reduces weed invasions, and can help limit pests and diseases on your plants.
Harvesting is also made easier due to the raised height of the garden bed, but one of the biggest challenges for gardeners installing raised beds is to fill the container with suitable material cost-effectively.
Whether using cardboard boxes as a natural weed barrier or incorporating organic matter like twigs and tree branches for decomposition, there are many ways to achieve a lush, thriving raised bed garden without breaking the bank.
We have compiled methods you can consider to fill your raised bed garden to the required level suitable for planting crops and which will provide long-term benefits to the growing environment in the raised bed.
Why Opt For Cost-Effective Methods?
While it’s tempting to believe that “spending more guarantees better results,” there are several compelling reasons to consider cost-effective methods, especially when filling raised garden beds. Let’s delve into the benefits of these budget-friendly approaches:
| Short-Term Benefits | Long-Term Benefits | |
| Financial Savings | By opting for cost-effective methods, you can significantly reduce the immediate out-of-pocket expenses of purchasing large quantities of store-bought garden soil. | Over time, these savings can accumulate, especially if you maintain multiple raised beds or plan to set up more in the future. |
| Environmental Benefits | Recycling and Reusing: Many cost-effective methods, such as using cardboard boxes or repurposing organic waste, promote recycling and reduce the need for new resources. | Reduced Carbon Footprint: Transporting bags of commercial soil can contribute to carbon emissions. By using locally sourced materials, you can reduce your garden’s carbon footprint. |
| Improved Soil Health | Organic Matter: Incorporating materials like twigs, leaves, and compostable kitchen waste introduces organic matter, which decomposes over time, enriching the soil. | Natural Micro-Orgamisms: These cost-effective methods often introduce beneficial microorganisms that enhance soil fertility and plant health. |
| Customization | Tailored to Your Needs: By creating your own soil mix, you can tailor the composition to suit the specific needs of the plants you intend to grow. | Flexibility: It’s easier to adjust and experiment with your soil composition when sourcing and mixing materials yourself. |
| Community Engagement | Shared Resources: Engaging with neighbors or local community gardens can lead to shared resources, such as compost piles or mulch, further reducing costs. | Knowledge Exchange: Adopting cost-effective methods can lead to interactions with fellow gardeners, fostering a community of shared knowledge and tips. |
Opting for cost-effective methods when filling raised garden beds offers many benefits, from financial savings to environmental advantages. By embracing these methods, gardeners can cultivate a thriving, budget-friendly, and ecologically responsible garden.
Materials Needed For A Budget-Friendly Raised Bed
Filling a raised garden bed on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on quality. In fact, many cost-effective materials can enhance the health and productivity of your garden. We have created a comprehensive list of materials to fill your raised bed without burning a hole in your budget.
1. Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard is a biodegradable material that serves as an excellent base layer for raised beds. It acts as a natural weed barrier, preventing unwanted plants from growing up into the bed.
You can easily source cardboard boxes from your own online deliveries, local stores, or neighbors. Ensure they are free from any plastic coatings or non-biodegradable materials.
2. Twigs And Tree Branches
These organic materials are perfect for the bottom layer of a raised bed, especially if you’re adopting the Hügelkultur method. They decompose over time, releasing nutrients into the soil and improving its structure.
Gather fallen twigs and branches from your yard, or ask neighbors and local tree trimming or felling services for any discarded materials.
3. Garden Soil
While it’s the primary filling component, you don’t necessarily need to buy bags of expensive garden soil. Mixing in other materials can stretch out the volume of store-bought soil.
Consider bulk purchasing from local nurseries or landscaping companies. Some community gardens also offer soil at discounted rates.
4. Compost And Cow Manure Compost
These nutrient-rich additions can enhance the fertility of your raised bed. Peat moss improves soil aeration and retains moisture, while cow manure compost introduces essential nutrients.
Local garden centers or farms often sell these materials in bulk, which can be more cost-effective than bagged products. If you are a homesteader with livestock on your property, the manure produced can be a valuable resource for your raised bed filling.
5. Leaves And Grass Clippings
These are excellent sources of organic matter. Leaves can be shredded and mixed into the soil, while grass clippings can be layered in between other materials. Simply use the leaves that fall in your yard during autumn and the grass clippings from your lawn mowing sessions.
| Cost Estimation of Materials | ||
| Material | Estimated Cost | Tips for Further Savings |
| Cardboard Boxes | Free | Ask local stores for their discarded boxes. |
| Twigs and Tree Branches | Free | Gather after storms or pruning sessions. |
| Garden Soil | $10-$20 (bulk purchase) | Buy during sales or discounts at local nurseries. |
| General Compost | $8-$15 (bulk purchase) | Consider alternatives like coconut coir if cheaper in your region. |
| Cow Manure Compost | $5-$10 (bulk purchase) | Some farms offer it for free if you can transport it yourself. |
| Leaves and Grass Clippings | Free | Use your own yard waste; avoid treated or diseased materials. |
Incorporating these materials into your raised garden bed saves money and ensures a rich, fertile environment for your plants. By sourcing locally and making the most of organic waste, you can create a thriving garden bed that’s both cost-effective and sustainable.
Step-By-Step Guide To Filling Your Raised Bed On A Budget
Creating a thriving raised garden bed doesn’t require a hefty investment. With some resourcefulness and a bit of effort, you can fill your bed using cost-effective materials that benefit your plants. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:
1. Prepare The Raised Bed
Preparation is key to creating a raised bed that will have longevity and create the best possible growing environment for your plants.
- Clear the Area: Ensure the area where you’ll place the raised bed is free from debris, large rocks, and persistent weeds.
- Position the Bed: If your raised bed has no bottom, place it directly on the ground. Ensure it’s level for even water distribution.
2. Lay The Cardboard Layer
Many people skip this step, but in my experience, it is important to reduce weed growth and unwanted pests accessing the bed from below while the bed becomes established.
- Spread the cardboard: Cover the entire base of the raised bed with flattened cardboard boxes. Overlap pieces to ensure no gaps.
- Benefits: This layer acts as a natural weed barrier, preventing unwanted growth from below and also attracting earthworms, which will aerate and enrich the soil.
3. Add Twigs and Tree Branches
The next layer is bulky organic material that will take a long time to break down but will not pose any danger to your plants. Large logs from felled trees work well to fill the space quickly, but you can use branches, twigs, or even off-cuts from woodworking projects as long as the wood is untreated.
- Layering: Place a layer of twigs, small branches, and other woody materials at the bottom.
- Decomposition: These materials will break down over time, releasing nutrients and improving soil structure. They also create air pockets, enhancing soil aeration.
4. Incorporate Additional Organic Matter
The next layer should be finer organic material that will break down faster and provide a medium-term nutrient layer for your plants.
- Compost and leaves: Add a layer of compost, shredded leaves, and grass clippings. These materials introduce organic matter, which is vital for soil health.
- Layering Tip: Aim for a mix alternating between green organic materials, such as fresh grass clippings, and brown materials, such as leaves, for balanced decomposition.
5. Mix Garden Soil with Compost and Cow Manure Compost
The final layer will be the growing medium, where you will plant your seeds or small seedlings. It must consist of well-decomposed material to give the plants more immediate access to the required nutrients.
- Preparation. Mix garden soil with compost and cow manure compost in a separate container or wheelbarrow. This combination enhances the soil’s nutrient content and water retention capabilities.
- Filling. Add this mixture as the upper layer to the raised bed, ensuring even distribution.
6. Level The Raised Bed And Water It In
Ensuring the filling material, especially the upper growing medium, is evenly distributed and level is important. This step ensures equal availability of nutrients across the entire area of the raised bed.
- Even Out the Soil. Using a rake or your hands, level the soil to ensure an even surface. This helps with uniform planting and water distribution.
- Initial Watering. Thoroughly water the bed to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. This step also helps in kickstarting the decomposition process for organic materials.
7. Mulch the Top (Optional)
While many consider mulching the top surface optional, it is a must in my book. The benefits of mulch far outweigh not mulching the raised bed.
- Add mulch. Add a layer of straw, wood chips, or leaves. This helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.
- Depth. Aim for a 2 to 3-inch or 5 to 7.6-cm layer of mulch.
8. Let The Raised Bed Settle
Letting the bed settle before planting your first crop is good gardening practice. The fill material may settle more than expected and need to be topped up, and the extra time gives the compost time to break down and release nutrients.
- Rest the raised bed. Allow the bed to settle for a week or two before planting. This gives time for the organic materials to start decomposing and for the soil to establish a good structure.
- Check moisture levels. Ensure the soil in the raised bed remains moist but not waterlogged during this period.
9. Plant Enjoy Raised Bed Gardening
Once the bed has settled, you are ready to plant your first crop and enjoy the benefits of this gardening strategy!
- Planting. Once the bed has settled, you can plant your desired plants, vegetables, or herbs.
- Maintenance. Regularly check for soil moisture and add compost or organic matter as needed to replenish nutrients.
Hügelkultur Style Raised Beds: An Introduction
Gardening techniques are as diverse as the cultures they come from, and one such method that has been gaining popularity among sustainable gardening enthusiasts is Hügelkultur. Originating from Germany, the term “Hügelkultur” translates to “hill culture” or “hill mound.”
This unique gardening method involves creating raised beds filled with decomposing wood debris and other organic materials. Many gardeners adhere to the strategies of this technique when filling their raised garden beds.
We will briefly overview this gardening methodology since it is relevant to filling raised garden beds.
What Is Hügelkultur?
Hügelkultur involves piling logs, branches, leaves, grass clippings, straw, cardboard, and even non-woody organic waste into mounds or trenches. These materials are then covered with soil and left to decompose naturally.
While traditional Hügelkultur beds are mound-shaped, they can also be constructed in more structured raised bed frames, depending on the gardener’s preference.
Benefits Of Hügelkultur Raised Beds
Hügelkultur offers many benefits to growing food crops, which is why it is a popular method in homesteading communities.
- Improved Soil Fertility. As the organic materials decompose, they release nutrients into the soil, enriching it over time.
- Moisture Retention. The decomposing wood acts like a sponge, retaining soil moisture and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Better Drainage. The raised design ensures excess water drains away, preventing waterlogged conditions.
- Extended Growing Season. The decomposition process generates heat, which can warm the soil, allowing for an earlier start to the planting season.
- Natural Aeration. As the wood breaks down, it creates air pockets in the soil, reducing the need for tilling and promoting root health.
- Pest Control. The deep layers can deter burrowing pests, and the diverse ecosystem can help balance pest populations.
A well-constructed Hügelkultur bed can remain productive for 5-10 years or even longer, depending on the materials used. Hügelkultur is a sustainable and efficient gardening method that harnesses the natural decomposition process to create fertile, moisture-retentive, and self-tilling garden beds.
Watering Your Newly Filled Raised Bed
Water is the lifeblood of any garden, and when it comes to raised beds, ensuring proper hydration is crucial for plant health and productivity. However, watering a newly filled raised bed requires a slightly different approach than tending to an established one.
The following are the best practices for hydrating your freshly set up raised garden bed.
Importance Of Initial Watering
Thoroughly watering your raised bed after filling helps the soil settle around the organic materials, ensuring there are no air pockets that can dry out roots or cause uneven plant growth.
If you’ve incorporated organic matter like leaves, twigs, or compost, moisture will initiate the decomposition process, releasing nutrients into the soil.
Techniques For Effective Watering
Ensure that water penetrates deep enough into the soil, reaching the root zone of plants. This encourages deep root growth, making plants more resilient during dry spells.
Soaker hoses are perfect for raised beds as they deliver the water directly to the soil, reducing evaporation and ensuring deep penetration.
If you use a watering can or a standard hose, water slowly and evenly, ensuring all areas of the bed receive moisture.
Check Moisture Levels
Insert your finger into the soil up to 2 inches. If it feels dry at this depth, it’s time to water. Soil color and texture are also good indicators of the moisture level. Moist soil will be darker and will clump together when squeezed, while dry soil will be lighter and crumbly.
Avoiding Overwatering
Overwatering can be as damaging as underwatering. Ensure your raised bed has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions, which can suffocate roots and promote fungal diseases.
Observe the plant responses to your watering schedule. Yellowing leaves or a wilted appearance can be signs of both overwatering and underwatering. Monitor plants closely and adjust watering accordingly.
Mulching To Retain Moisture
Organic mulches, like straw, wood chips, or leaves, can be spread on the soil surface to reduce evaporation, maintain consistent soil moisture, and regulate temperature. Mulching not only conserves water but also suppresses weeds, which compete with plants for moisture.
Adjusting Watering Frequency
Seasonal changes will require adjustments to your watering frequency. During hotter months, raised beds may require more frequent watering. Conversely, in cooler or rainy seasons, reduce the frequency.
The plant growth stage will also require adjustments to watering frequency. Seedlings require consistent moisture. As plants mature and develop deeper root systems, they tolerate slightly drier conditions.
Automated Watering Systems
Automated watering systems can greatly benefit as a labor-saving mechanism and save water. Drip irrigation is an example that delivers water directly to plant roots, ensuring efficient water use and reducing waste.
Timers can be added to the system to automate the process and ensure your plants get the water when they need it most. If you’re away or have a busy schedule, consider setting up a timer to automate the watering process, ensuring your garden receives consistent moisture.
Watering your newly filled raised bed is a delicate balance between ensuring adequate moisture for plant growth and avoiding over-saturation.
Conclusion
The foundation of a thriving garden, including raised beds, lies in the quality of its soil. Whether you opt for the convenience of store-bought garden soil or the customization and cost-effectiveness of a DIY mix, it’s essential to make an informed decision based on your gardening needs, budget, and the effort you’re willing to invest.
While store-bought options offer quick solutions, DIY mixes allow for tailored approaches that can lead to long-term benefits and satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between DIY and store-bought garden soil hinges on individual preferences and the specific requirements of your plants. By prioritizing soil quality, you set the stage for robust plant growth, bountiful yields, and a rewarding raised bed gardening experience.
References
https://vegogarden.com/blogs/articles/what-should-you-put-at-the-bottom-of-a-raised-garden-bed
https://helpmecompost.com/home-composting/uses/compost-for-raised-beds/
https://miniurbanfarm.com/rocks-in-raised-garden-beds/
https://donotdisturbgardening.com/best-ways-to-fill-a-raised-garden-bed-for-cheap/
https://planterspost.com/cheapest-way-to-fill-a-raised-garden-bed/?expand_article=1
