Should You Buy Bagged Soil?: 5 Risks to Your Garden
About This Resource
The article discusses the potential risks associated with using bagged soil for gardening, emphasizing that while it offers convenience, it may not always be the best choice for building a healthy garden. Key risks include the inability to inspect the soil before purchase, rapid nutrient loss once in the garden, high costs, and the possibility of contamination from pests or chemicals. The author suggests that native soil, with appropriate amendments, might be a more sustainable and economical option. Readers are encouraged to consider these factors before relying solely on bagged soil for their gardening needs, ultimately promoting a more informed approach to soil selection and garden preparation.
Key takeaways
What to know before you act on this, from the SteadScape editors.
- Choose bagged soil from reputable brands and inspect bags for damage; avoid bags with holes to prevent contamination.
- Expect to pay around $200 to fill a 3x6 foot raised bed with quality bagged soil; consider using native soil with amendments instead.
- Once opened, bagged soil can lose nutrients within weeks; consider mulching to retain moisture and nutrients longer.
- For a 10-inch tall raised bed, you will need approximately 15 cubic feet of soil, which equals about 8 bags of 2 cubic feet each.
- Check the bagging date; soil stored out of sunlight retains quality for 1-2 years, but opened bags should be used quickly.
- Best for
- Beginners planning to start a garden; evaluate soil options in early spring before planting.
- Pairs with
- Garden Planner for your zone and frost dates.
Source Information
Summary and key takeaways written by SteadScape. How we choose resources
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