Soil Mixes for Raised Garden Beds

There are various types of soil mixes for raised garden beds available in the market. They are categorized into three basic categories: organic soil mixes, mineral soil mixes and microfertilizer soil mixes. These are based on the type of materials used to improve the quality of the soil. If you are planning to raise your garden bed plants in the next few years, it is important to select the best Soil Mixes for raised garden beds. In this article we will discuss some of the factors that influence the effectiveness of each of these three classes of soil mixes.

1. Organic Soil Mixtures

Organic soil mixes for raised garden beds includes those made from organic materials like manure, coffee grounds, kitchen waste, animal waste, etc. These soils contain high levels of bulk and are rich in microorganisms. The good thing with these soils is that they are highly effective for building the necessary components of a healthy ecosystem. However, the problem with these soils is that they are difficult to manage and may often contain harmful elements that can prove to be detrimental for the plant life.

2. Mineral Soils

Mineral Soils for raised garden beds contains rich loam and clay materials. These soils are formed due to the concentration of different minerals like iron, sulfur, boron and other heavy minerals that form when earth is turned over and settled. These soils are excellent for building the root structure and the production of good root systems. These minerals are also very effective in regulating the moisture content in the soil, which in turn prevents the development of negative health-threatening microbial diseases.

3. Microbial Soil Mixes

Microbial Soil Mixtures for raised garden beds are made from humic, anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms. These organisms are found in the soils of the forest and they are responsible for breaking down the organic matter present in the soil. They obtain their energy from the food that they consume and release it into the soil. In turn, these organisms break down dead plant material that releases its nutrients to the soil, making it rich in the vital nutrients. Soil that contains a large number of these microbes are highly beneficial for plants as they help them increase in root density, produce higher quality fruits and vegetables and prevent the development of the so-called “superweeds”.

4. Consider pH Level 

One of the first things to look at when choosing a list of soil conditions for raised garden beds is the pH level of the soil. This is very important to a gardener. The pH level of the soil will determine whether the plants can absorb the nutrients they need from the soil, which will result in healthy growth. A soil with a high pH level will retain more water, which will help a gardener to avoid run-offs from their gardens. The pH level should be noted on the list of soil conditions for raised garden beds as well as in your local soil.

5. Consider Soil Quality and Humidity

Soil Quality and Humidity are one of the most important factors that affect the richness and effectiveness of any soil. Soils that are either too dry or too moist can result in plant diseases, while too much humidity can destroy the roots of plants. Soil types like clay and humus are known for their ability to retain water and increase in density, while organic soils are usually rich in nitrogen and have low moisture retention capacity. It is recommended to choose soil types that are well-balanced in terms of moisture retention. Organic soils are also highly nutritious because of the increased amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

6. Consider Soil Moisture

Soil Moisture Although organic soils are highly nutritious and beneficial for plants, they do require regular maintenance. The most effective way to maintain the richness and benefits of organic soils is to regularly give them water and proper aeration. Appropriate amounts of organic fertilizer are also required to increase nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the soil. However, regular mulching and washing should not be included in an organic gardening program as they can severely reduce the richness of the soil. Soil aeration systems that are used to increase air circulation are available commercially at a minimal cost.

7. Conclusion

The gardener should never rely solely on the list of soil mixes for raised garden beds. They should also experiment by trying out different combinations of the ingredients. This way, they can get an idea of what would work best for them. A gardener’s personal preference plays a very important role in the final selection. In fact, some people prefer to use a specific recipe of soil and compost in their gardens. Such people can be found on the internet.