New soil for my raised bed garden - Ask Extension
I would like to create new soil for a new raised bed garden. I have a pile of sawdust and a pile of manure to use. What other ingredients do I need t...
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New soil for my raised bed garden #743932
Asked April 12, 2021, 2:42 PM EDT
I would like to create new soil for a new raised bed garden. I have a pile of sawdust and a pile of manure to use. What other ingredients do I need to use? Thank you, Cyndi
Teller County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Cyndi,
If possible, a good top soil mixture. You should never add more than 1 inch of manure to every 8 inches of soil any year. You will also not want to add more than 1/2 inch of sawdust to the soil. The overall goal is to have between 3-5% organic material in the soil. When you have too much, the microorganisms can tie up the nitrogen in the soil as they work on breaking down the organic material and your plants can't access it. One of the best things to do is start with your base soil and do a soil test on it so you know how much of what amendment and/or fertilizer to add. These test bottles for our lab in Ft. Collins are free to pick up and you will send directly to the lab. Their fee is a minimum of $35 for the basic garden soil test.
If possible, a good top soil mixture. You should never add more than 1 inch of manure to every 8 inches of soil any year. You will also not want to add more than 1/2 inch of sawdust to the soil. The overall goal is to have between 3-5% organic material in the soil. When you have too much, the microorganisms can tie up the nitrogen in the soil as they work on breaking down the organic material and your plants can't access it. One of the best things to do is start with your base soil and do a soil test on it so you know how much of what amendment and/or fertilizer to add. These test bottles for our lab in Ft. Collins are free to pick up and you will send directly to the lab. Their fee is a minimum of $35 for the basic garden soil test.
Thanks for your answer. Where is the best place to find a base soil? Up here in Woodland Park, the soil is mostly decomposed granite.
Thanks,
Cyndi
That is for sure! I'm not sure if Ute Pass Sand and Gravel has any, but all the sites in Colorado Springs (such as Pioneer or C & C) have garden mixes that already have manure integrated in the soil mix.
