![]() There is a simple calculation to work out exactly how much material you’ll need. How Much Soil Do I Need To Fill My Raised Bed?įilling your raised bed needn’t be guess work. The complex – and mostly invisible – interactions between these underground organisms is a part of the greater soil food web that makes all of life possible. The area of soil surrounding the roots of plants – known as the rhizosphere – is a truly awe-inspiring place that is worthy of our attention and care. This creates an environment less hospitable for unwanted plants and harmful bacteria. They have the power to change the characteristics of the soil itself, by lowering pH and increasing oxygen levels near the soil surface. Soil microbes are also a natural defense against weeds, pests, and disease. These tiny tunnels allow air, water, and nutrients to flow through the soil. Spaces between soil aggregates create vast networks, held together by thread-like fungal filaments. Like nature’s glue, it keeps soil from completely crumbling when handled, washing away when it rains, or dispersing like sand in the wind.Īs more and more masses of soil particles are bound together, they become larger clumps known as soil aggregates. They produce gummy substances that improve soil structure by binding clay, sand, and silt particles together. Soil-dwelling bacteria and fungi facilitate the nutrient cycle by breaking down organic matter, making key nutrients available for plants to absorb. The presence of microscopic organisms in soil is beneficial in many ways. Each tablespoon of rich and loamy soil contains more living organisms than there are humans on the planet!īacteria, algae, lichens, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes are too tiny to see but spotting earthworms and insects crawling through the earth are good indications that the soil is healthy and fertile. ![]() Healthy soil is positively bursting with life – most of which cannot be seen with the naked eye. ![]() You’ve built yourself a raised bed (or maybe you’ve put together one of these ready made kits), you’ve avoided all the common raised bed mistakes, but now it’s time to start filling with healthy growing medium so you can enjoy abundant harvests in summer.īut what exactly do you fill it with? Let’s take a look… Soil isn’t some inert and lifeless thing.
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