What is the best soil mix for vegetable gardens?
- 60% topsoil.
- 30% compost.
- 10% Potting soil (a soilless growing mix that contains peat moss, perlite and/or vermiculite)
How do I prepare soil for a vegetable garden? The idea is to pile your kitchen scraps, leaves, hay, clippings, etc. in the garden and let them slowly break down in place. This, in turn, nourishes the soil and builds up the organic content so it holds moisture for longer periods during drought. No watering, no fertilizing, no turning compost.
What soil is best for raised vegetable beds? A good soil mix consists of three parts neutral-acid pH topsoil, five parts ericaceous compost and two parts composted bark or fine grade chipped bark. A surface mulch of acid leaf mould, or composted pine or spruce needles is also beneficial.
Should I use topsoil or compost? You get the best of both worlds with a mixture since topsoil will offer a robust home for roots with plenty of water, while compost will provide a boost of nutrients. There are, however, certain projects which will benefit more from one than the other if you can’t afford compost or you need to fill a large area.