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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

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Black Gold® Moisture Supreme Container Mix – Canada

Plants need extra moisture during the warm summer months, which is why we created Black Gold® Moisture Supreme Container Mix. It is specially formulated to retain water better than ordinary potting soils, which means less watering time for your favorite patio plants, hanging baskets and window boxes. Click here to view Black Gold® Moisture Supreme Container Mix – USA.

Click here for an informational pdf.