🪴 Raised Bed Soil Calculator

Raised Bed Soil Tips

• Mel's Mix — Never use native soil. Equal thirds of compost, peat moss or coco coir, and coarse vermiculite. Drains well, stays loose forever.
• 1 cu yd = 27 cu ft. Bulk delivery is cheaper over ~4 cubic yards. Call local landscape suppliers for quotes.
• Beds 12"+ deep allow root crops (carrots, parsnips, beets). 6–8" is fine for lettuce and herbs.
• Vermiculite is the most expensive component. Buy #3 coarse horticultural grade in bulk bags (4 cu ft) to save money.
• Coco coir is a sustainable peat substitute — roughly the same performance, often slightly cheaper.