Best Soil for Raised Beds: Skip Bagged Mixes, Go Bulk

Building new raised beds? Avoid expensive bagged "planting soil"—in enclosed beds, it retains excessive moisture. Instead, consider these options:

DIY Mix (If You Have Native Soil)

Blend your native clay with soil conditioner and gritty sand for a well-draining, affordable medium.

Bulk Landscape Supply (Recommended)

Purchase from a local landscape supplier. Before buying, test the soil: it should feel gritty yet slightly slick between fingers, with minimal visible bark or leaf pieces. Ask which professional landscapers use their product—this indicates quality. For a few beds, borrow a pickup and haul what you need.