Soil Prices.

[tm_31]

I am planning on building an 8x4 foot raised bed with a depth of about 8 inches. I've been searching around for soil and everything seems pretty pricey. Does anyone have anyone recommendations on where to get cheap soil/soil mix components? Also, I would love an estimate of the price it would cost for me to buy soil that is well-drained with rich organic amendments.

 

[DirtMechanic]

You want something that will retain water when it is up in the air. Conversely, in the ground, water retention drowns roots. Above ground, a cheap but purely useful basic soil could be 1 bag of a topsoil mix and 2 bags of vermiculite. Were you to wish to add something else, reduce one of the bags of vermiculite as you add your special mediums. A compost perhaps or perlites or whatever pleases thee. You would of course need to provide a balanced diet in addition.

 

[tm_31]

You want something that will retain water when it is up in the air. Conversely, in the ground, water retention drowns roots. Above ground, a cheap but purely useful basic soil could be 1 bag of a topsoil mix and 2 bags of vermiculite. Were you to wish to add something else, reduce one of the bags of vermiculite as you add your special mediums. A compost perhaps or perlites or whatever pleases thee. You would of course need to provide a balanced diet in addition.

Thanks for the tips! What do you mean when you say balanced diet?

 

[DirtMechanic]

Thanks for the tips! What do you mean when you say balanced diet?

Stolen with glee from Texas A&M website:

Primary nutrients, also known as macronutrients, are those usually required in the largest amounts. They are carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Secondary nutrients are those usually needed in moderate amounts compared to the primary essential nutrients. The secondary nutrients are calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.

Micro- or trace nutrients are required in tiny amounts compared to primary or secondary nutrients. Micronutrients are boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc.

A very few plants need five other nutrients: cobalt, nickel, silicon, sodium, and vanadium.

 

[tm_31]

Stolen with glee from Texas A&M website:

Primary nutrients, also known as macronutrients, are those usually required in the largest amounts. They are carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Secondary nutrients are those usually needed in moderate amounts compared to the primary essential nutrients. The secondary nutrients are calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.

Micro- or trace nutrients are required in tiny amounts compared to primary or secondary nutrients. Micronutrients are boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc.

A very few plants need five other nutrients: cobalt, nickel, silicon, sodium, and vanadium.

Ahh alright thanks!

 

[UrbanWild]

You might be better off buying some local bulk soil/compost/etc. Bags don't take long to get EXPENSIVE.