Raised Bed Soil Mix
Mixing your own raised bed soil is a simple, rewarding way to take control of your garden from the ground up. With just a few natural ingredients, you can create rich, living soil that supports strong roots, healthy plants, and a deeper connection to what you grow.
Inventory
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and we may receive a commission if you purchase through them.
Tools & Equipment
Ingredients
- Coco Coir, 1 part
- Vermiculite, 1 part
- Compost, 1 part
Instructions
Prep Coco Coir
If your coco coir is still a brick from the packaging, add it to a large bin and pour some water on it until the coco coir is light and fluffy. It will expand to about 4-9 x in volume.
Mix ingredients
Lay a tarp next to your raised bed. Using the 5-gallon bucket as a measurement tool, add equal parts coco coir, compost, and vermiculite on the tarp. With a shovel or garden fork, mix the ingredients until evenly combined.
Modifications
Keep an eye on pH
Collect a sample from your garden, about 6 inches deep and use a soil pH test kit to determine the pH. If needed, add agricultural lime, wood ash, or eggshells to raise the pH (make more alkaline) or add elemental sulfur, pine needles, pine bark, or cottonseed meal to lower the pH (make more acidic)
Experiment
No two gardens are alike, so test ratios of components to find the best balance for your plants.
Every craft begins as an alpha craft. Crafts are developed by considering the function and effect of inputs and all the actions needed to create the transformation. They are designed with theory and research but have not been personally tested by any Guild Craft Trade employee or member. When you perform a craft at this stage, it is through your own experimentation (and risk, if there is any).
This designation is part of our mission to build a chain of production for cottage industry. To learn more, see our About page.