Soil for Raised Beds - Ask Extension
We have had raised beds built to minimize the need for kneeling in the garden as we get older. We have excellent garden soil from decades of incorpora...
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Soil for Raised Beds #892431
Asked February 07, 2025, 6:06 PM EST
We have had raised beds built to minimize the need for kneeling in the garden as we get older. We have excellent garden soil from decades of incorporating leaves, grass clippings and wood chips. Is there anything we should be adding to this soil as we put it into the raised beds?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, John. It sounds as if you've been doing the most beneficial thing you can do to help soil: leaving the leaves! Not only does decaying organic material return nutrients to the soil, but it acts as a mulch to reduce soil compaction and retain moisture.
However, the nutrient most essential to plant growth and creation of foliage is nitrogen, which is a gas that evaporates as leaves decompose. (The carbon, phosphorus and potash are heavier, and remain in the soil longer.)
Rather than guess, I suggest that you get a soil test for pH and nutrients. Our closest testing lab is this one: https://al-labs-west.com/ If you tell them what you're growing in the bed, they can recommend soil amendments to "cure" any problems.
You can find more information in this article and those with links at the end: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/fs-270-raised-bed-gardening
Good luck!
However, the nutrient most essential to plant growth and creation of foliage is nitrogen, which is a gas that evaporates as leaves decompose. (The carbon, phosphorus and potash are heavier, and remain in the soil longer.)
Rather than guess, I suggest that you get a soil test for pH and nutrients. Our closest testing lab is this one: https://al-labs-west.com/ If you tell them what you're growing in the bed, they can recommend soil amendments to "cure" any problems.
You can find more information in this article and those with links at the end: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/fs-270-raised-bed-gardening
Good luck!
