How to Choose the Right Soil for Your Raised Garden Beds

Consider your climate and growing conditions:

• If you live in a hot, dry climate, you'll need a soil that retains moisture well.
• If you live in a cold, wet climate, you'll need a soil that drains well.

Think about the types of plants you'll be growing:

• Some plants, like tomatoes and peppers, need a soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Other plants, like carrots and radishes, prefer a soil that is more sandy.

Look for a soil that is well-drained and aerated:

• This means that the soil should have a loose, crumbly texture and should not be compacted.
• Good drainage will help to prevent your plants from drowning in wet weather.

Choose a soil that is free of pests and diseases:

• This is especially important if you're growing organic vegetables.
• You can buy sterilized soil or you can make your own by mixing together equal parts compost, peat moss, and perlite.

Amend the soil as needed:

• Once you've chosen a soil, you may need to amend it to meet the specific needs of your plants.
• For example, if you're growing tomatoes, you may need to add some lime to the soil to raise the pH level.