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What kind of soil to use in ground vs. beds #751678

Asked May 24, 2021, 12:27 AM EDT

Sorry if this is a terribly basic question, but folks the opinions on this question when I ask friends just are all over the spectrum. That's why I'm asking you! Do I want to use different kinds of soil when planting directly into the ground, planting in wooden raised beds, and planting in large metal containers? Let me be really specific. 1a. When planting flowers, vegetables, or fruits such as a strawberries or raspberries either into the ground OR in a wooden raised bed -- say, a 4 x 8 raised bed with the thick utility cedar purchased from Jerry's here in Eugene -- is it fine to use general planting soil from Lane Forest Products or Rexius? 1b. In other words, if I'm planting direct into the soil -- with or without a wooden raised garden bed -- I can use the same kind of soil regardless? 2. Now say you're planting the same -- flowers, veggies, and small fruit -- into one of the big metal stock tanks like you find at Wilco or Home Depot (see attached photo) ... do you still use general planting soil? Or is this a case where you'd want to use potting soil because the stock tanks have metal bases? (And are essentially just big containers or pots.) In other words, the stock tanks aren't "open" to the soil below except for the holes you drill into the base so water can filter out, in which case potting soil is the preferred soil and not general planting soil? I'd appreciate any guidance you can give me on this. Paul Stieber Eugene

Lane County Oregon

Expert Response

Acquiring and maintaining good soil quality requires constant care and upkeep just like the plants you place into it.

If you are planning to plant in the ground, replacing the original soil would be labor intensive. If this is a first-time garden, add 3-4 inches of compost, or other organic matter, and any other amendments, such as fertilizer, and mix them into the top 8 to 12 inches of your present soil. This will help improve your soil and make it a more suitable space for your plants. These two links to OSU publications have information about using organic matter to improve your present soil.

Improving Garden Soils with Organic Matter

How to Use Compost in Gardens and Landscapes

If you are using raised beds, unless you dug out soil to install them, it is best to fill them with potting soil from a landscaping supply store. If you have soil you dug out, you can use the method above for in-ground soil and add it to your beds. If you choose to use a potting soil instead, whether you use a “specialty” one mainly depends on whether you want to add your own fertilizer and other amendments. That would be a choice that you need to make. With the depth of your 4 x 8 bed, it is also suggested you dig the potting soil into the top 6 inches of the soil your bed is resting on. The roots of your plants will appreciate it. For more information, see this link on Raised Bed Gardening.

Container gardens, even in a large tank, can use the same type of soil (from a landscaping supply store) used in your raised beds. You might want to think about adding perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage, in that case, you might pick a soil (from a landscaping supply store) that is made for container planting. Those soils will already include perlite or vermiculite. Additional container gardening information is included in the following links.

Container Gardening Basics

No Room for Vegetables? Pot Up Your Plants

As you can see there is no one soil fits all the settings in your garden. Although you can use one type, you may need to add to it to make it the best soil for each situation. Also remember each year you will need to continue to add organic matter, ½ to 1 inch, and other amendments as needed. If you want more information on what the composition of your soil is, you might what to consider a soil test. Here is another great publication on soil testing How do I test my garden soil?.

Jan Gano, OSU Extension Master Gardener Replied May 26, 2021, 3:21 PM EDT
Hi Jan,

This is SO HELPFUL, and I'm grateful. While I've Iong understood that soil and soil health are paramount to a healthy garden, I did not understand before that potting soil is actually preferred for both raised beds within four pieces of wood AND for containers -- even large tanks. This helps me as I move forward.

Again, thank you.

Paul Stieber

On Wed, May 26, 2021 at 12:21 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2021, 5:55 PM EDT

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