Food-Gardening Lessons From A Wartime Victory Garden

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What Is the Best Black Gold Soil for Raised Beds?

Best Black Gold Soil for Raised Beds

“I have several raised garden beds (6’x3′ and 2’x2′) both 18+ inches deep for vegetables.  I am debating between the “natural and organic potting mix”, “organic flower and vegetable soil”, and “natural and organic raised beds and potting mix”.  Is there a clear choice here or would I be good with any?” Question from Lars of Chicago, Illinois

Answer: All three of these products work well for raised bed growing, but our new Black Gold Natural and Organic Raised Bed Potting Mix is specially formulated for raised beds. If I were to choose from the three, it would be my pick. Additionally, I always recommend that gardeners mix a little natural topsoil into their raised beds. The addition of a little natural mineral soil will increase the longevity of the mix. Be sure to supplement with a fertilizer formulated for vegetable plantings.

When determining how the amount of raised bed growing mix to add to your beds, use this formula:

Soil Application Formula

([area to cover] ft2 x [depth in inches desired] x 0.0031 = ___ yd3).

Example: If you wanted to cover a 20 square foot area with 2 inches of compost, the result would be: 20 ft2 x 2 inches of compost x 0.0031 = 2.48 yd3.

(Click here for a full overview of how to prep a new vegetable garden from start to finish.)

Happy gardening,

Jessie Keith

Black Gold Horticulturist

 

 

 

What Makes a Good Raised Bed Site?

What Makes a Good Raised Bed Site?

“How does one determine the best location for a raised bed in one’s yard?” Question from Joanne of Cary, North Carolina

Answer: What Makes a Good Raised Bed Site? There are several criteria for siting a raised bed. Here are the top five to consider.

  1. Sun: Choose a location with at least eight hours of sunlight. Twelve is even better.
  2. Topography: The site must be flat and on high ground where flooding does not occur.
  3. Wind Protection: It is always nice to place your bed in a location with some wind protection.
  4. Water Access: Close water access to your garden spigot makes for easier irrigation.
  5. Weed-Free Ground: Place your beds on ground that is easily cleared of sod or weeds, and cover the walkways with mulch or pebble to keep weeds away from the beds.

I hope that this information helps! We have a great new potting soil for raised beds called Black Gold® Natural & Organic Raised Bed & Potting Mix, which is also OMRI Listed for organic gardening. Check it out!

Jessie Keith

Black Gold Horticulturist

Black Gold® Earthworm Castings Blend

Black Gold® Earthworm Castings Blend gives gardeners a natural way to feed their soil and their plants. Enrich all of your garden plantings with fertile, nutrient-rich Black Gold® Earthworm Castings Blend. Use of to fortify vegetable gardens, containers, and flower beds. It is OMRI Listed for organic gardening, so you know that it is a safe, fertile choice for your family’s garden.

Click here for an informational pdf.