Q: What type of soil do I use for my raised beds/containers for growing food?
A: Once you’ve built raised beds or purchased containers, you’ll need to fill them with a high quality soil mix. Don’t skimp on this step, or your plants may not grow very well!
Compost
Compost is the most important part of the mixture. It’s the ingredient that gives life to your garden and food to your plants. Described in the simplest of terms, compost is decayed organic matter used as plant fertilizer. It’s important to get a variety of compost sources and mix them together. That ensures you get a balance of nutrients for your plants. You can also save yourself a lot of money by making compost yourself! Click here to see all of the information about compost on seedtospoon.net!
Peat Moss or Coconut Coir
Peat moss derives from very old decomposed plant material. It’s typically used to improve soil structure by lightening it up and helping with water retention. There’s some debate about the use of peat moss and the effect it has on the region in which it comes from. You can use coconut coir instead if that’s a concern.
Vermiculite or Perlite
Vermiculite and perlite are lightweight materials used to improve soil structure and increase water and nutrient retention. Vermiculite is mined out of the ground and heated until it explodes resulting in this great water-retaining material. This will be the most expensive part of the mixture, and it’s cheaper to find it in 4 cubic foot bags. You can also substitute perlite if desired.
See in this video below as Dale discusses in a presentation about how we make our own soil mix and save money!
Learn more about growing over 100 different foods, including how to manage various pests in our FREE iOS, Android, or new Universal Web App!
Carrie Spoonemore, co-founder of “From Seed to Spoon,” stands as a beacon of inspiration for gardeners and health enthusiasts alike. Her journey alongside her husband, Dale Spoonemore, in creating a platform that demystifies gardening and promotes a healthier lifestyle, has made a significant impact on individuals around the globe. Through the “From Seed to Spoon” app, Carrie has dedicated herself to empowering people to take control of their health and environment by growing their own food.
With a profound belief in the power of gardening to improve mental and physical health, Carrie’s contributions to the Seed to Spoon blog reflect her holistic approach to wellness. Her articles often focus on the nutritional benefits of homegrown fruits and vegetables, organic gardening practices, and the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Carrie’s expertise in health science shines through in her detailed discussions on how specific plants can contribute to a balanced diet and overall well-being.
Carrie’s passion for gardening is deeply intertwined with her commitment to family and community wellness. She frequently shares personal stories of how gardening has brought her family closer together, offering practical tips for involving children in gardening activities and making it a fun, educational experience. Her writing encourages families to explore gardening as a means of spending quality time together while learning about nature and sustainability.
In addition to gardening advice, Carrie’s contributions to the blog include insights into the use of technology to enhance the gardening experience. She has played a crucial role in designing the “From Seed to Spoon” app to be user-friendly, ensuring that users of all ages and backgrounds can navigate the complexities of gardening with ease. Her vision for the app is not just as a gardening tool but as a vehicle for change, inspiring individuals to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle by growing their own food.
Carrie Spoonemore’s presence on the blog is marked by her compassionate approach to teaching and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of gardening. Her work continues to inspire a community of gardeners to pursue a healthier, more sustainable way of living, proving that with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can become a gardener and advocate for their health and the planet.
7 thoughts on “How to Make Your Own DIY Organic Raised Bed Soil Mix to Grow Big & Healthy Vegetables, Fruits & Herbs!”
Carrie, do you use this mix for all vegetables or is it better for certain types. Also a useful calculator for this task is https://soilcalculator.com/mixture
CARRIE, yet another fantastic value-based article based on research, and I think all the tips are the result of learning through experience, that’s why they are so much value for the readers.
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