Raised Bed Soil Calculator

How much soil for a 4x8 raised bed?

A 4x8 bed filled 12 inches deep holds 32 cubic feet before a settling allowance. With the default 10% allowance, order about 1.3 cubic yards or 18 bags of 2-cu-ft soil.

What soil mix should I use in a raised bed?

A practical starting point is roughly one-half to two-thirds topsoil with one-third to one-half plant-based compost. Avoid filling the bed with compost alone.

How deep should a raised bed be?

Match the depth to what you want to grow and the soil beneath the bed. Shallow-rooted crops need less depth than root crops. A 12-inch fill is a useful planning default.

Bulk soil vs bagged?

Bulk is $25 to $80 per cubic yard delivered. Bagged costs $5 to $8 per 2 cu ft bag ($67 to $108 per cu yd equivalent). Bulk saves 40 to 60% for larger beds.

How much does raised bed soil cost?

$30 to $100 per cubic yard for bulk delivery depending on mix quality. A standard 4x8x1 ft bed costs $35 to $100 for soil.

Should I put anything under the soil?

Most beds over soil do not need a barrier. Remove vegetation and loosen the surface first. For beds on pavement, choose a permeable liner instead of plastic.

How often should I add soil to raised beds?

Check the soil level each spring. Top off a settled bed with a modest layer of compost or the same raised-bed blend.

Can I fill the bottom with something cheaper?

Deep beds can use a separate base layer, but keep enough quality soil for the plants you plan to grow. Organic base materials settle as they break down.