Top 11 Best Soil Mix for Raised Beds

reviewed by Christina Lopez

The idea of purchasing the best soil mix for raised beds may seem strange at first; however, it may become a mandatory necessity, significantly if you are growing plants that can't do well with the specific type(s) of soil available your locality.

When this is the case, you will face the challenging task of determining what best for you, and this is justifiable considering the wide range of options.

To save you from this hassle, we are highlighting the best soil mixes for raised beds.

Read carefully, and we bet you will discover what's best for your raised bed plants from our list.

Summany Video Best Soil Mix for Raised Beds


Best Soil Mix for Raised Beds Reviews

Best Soil Mix for Raised Beds Reviews
Best Soil Mix for Raised Beds Reviews

1. Miracle-Gro 1.5 Cu Ft

Miracle-Gro Raised Bed Soil, 1.5 Cu. Ft.
Miracle-Gro Raised Bed Soil, 1.5 Cu. Ft.

If you are growing flowers, fruits, or vegetables on your raised beds and want them to thrive, a Miracle-Gro soil mix is probably all you need.

Since the soil is 100% organic (as listed by OMRI), it requires no mixing, meaning you will have it ready for use right away from the market.

You will like the most Miracle-Gro soil because it features valuable nutrients to support your plant growth for up to 3 months. Over this long, you will not need to add fertilizers or manure, which implies excellent savings on your side.

Better yet, their best soil mix for tomatoes in raised beds is an excellent option as it creates equilibrium between water retention, drainage, and aeration. It, therefore, gives 100% assurance that your plant roots will never rot, wilt or starve.

What's more, the soil comes with a regulated PH (with added lime) so that your plant root can uptake minerals and water with ease.

Most users have reported being in love with Miracle-Gro soil as it does not encourage weed growth, which saves you time and cost (considering you will not need to remove weed or spend on herbicides).

Pros
  • Comes with a balanced PH
  • No smelly odor
  • Discourage weed growth
  • Proper drainage and
  • Proper aeration
Cons
  • Some users noted weed growing on the soil
  • Some have complained that it killed their plants

2. Coast of Maine 1 Cu. Ft

New Coast Of Maine - Organic Raised Bed Mix - Castine Blend, 1.0cf
New Coast Of Maine - Organic Raised Bed Mix - Castine Blend, 1.0cf

Coast of Main Soil Mix for raised beds should be on your "to purchase" list if you wish to save huge costs on raised bed soil. The sentiments hold considering that the soil comes packaged in a huge bag (1 Cu.Ft.), meaning you will save a lot in the long run.

Coast of Maine is the best soil mix for raised garden beds is highly rich in valuable nutrients as it features warm castings, manure compost, kelp meals, mycorrhizae, biochar, greensand, and lobster. All these are extremely important as they work together to nourish your raised bed plants and beneficial soil microbes.

The Coast of Maine Soil Mix will sort you significantly, mainly if you operate on a busy schedule. This is so because the soil retains water and repels weeds meaning no need for daily plant care. Plant, add enough water and get to your other business.

Unfortunately, the cost for 1 Cu. Ft can be a bit high for some aspiring users to afford. However, you will like it if you can afford the costs.

Pros
  • No tilling needed
  • Save you too many costs - you need no herbicides
  • No need to water daily
  • Highly rich in nutrients
  • Doorstep delivery
Cons
  • Initial costs may be high
  • The soil texture may not be as fine as you expect

3. Miracle-Gro 1.3 Cu. Ft

Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Raised Bed Mix - Organic And Natural Ingredients, Potting Soil Blended For Raised Bed Gardening, Grow More Vegetables, Flowers And Herbs (vs Unfed Plants), 1.3 Cu. Ft.
Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Raised Bed Mix - Organic And Natural Ingredients, Potting Soil Blended For Raised Bed Gardening, Grow More Vegetables, Flowers And Herbs (vs Unfed Plants), 1.3 Cu. Ft.

Miracle-Gro is a big name when it comes to manufacturing the best soil mixes for raised beds. They have your thought in mind when making the best planting soil mixes, and that's why they strive as much as they can to offer you various options to pick from.

The soil listed above differs from the last option we discussed on this list (no.1) because this one is a bit small in size and hence cheaper. It will save you a lot and still help you cover a wide area.

You will like that their best garden soil mix for raised beds comes featuring the most needed organic and natural ingredients that will accelerate your increased bed plant growth.

The soil does not feature any manufactured products meaning it is very safe for growing edible plants such as fruits and vegetables.

As though that's not great enough yet, the soil will never pollute the environment. This holds since you will never require using potentially harmful herbicides and fertilizers on it.

Unfortunately, their best organic soil mix for raised beds may be a nuisance to some farmers, especially those who claim it features strong chemical smells.

Pros
  • Relatively affordable
  • Conserves the environment
  • Highly nutritious
  • Discourage weed growth
  • Saves you time - you don't have to care for plants daily
Cons
  • Some users complained of solid chemical smells
  • You may have to bear delays in delivery

4. Burpee 8 Qtz Organic Soil

Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix, 8 Quart, 2 Pack
Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix, 8 Quart, 2 Pack

Whereas there are very many soil mixes for raised beds, probably not many can compare to Burpee soil mix. First thing first, the soil offers you the best value for your money, considering that you get two packs for the price of one!

Moreover, the soil is OMRI certified - and hence you can be confident that it features no traces of potentially harmful chemicals. This should boost your confidence with the soil.

Compared to its top competitors, the soil offers you added benefits in that it featuring helpful nutrient boosting ingredients such as coconut coir. These are meant to boast water/moisture retention and hence save you the hassle of watering daily.

Besides, the Burpee soil mix features "slow-release plant nutrients/food," which helps keep the plant well-fed for quicker growth and more yields.

The manufacturer wants you to reap maximum benefits from their products, which is the sole reason they have included a user manual. You are encouraged to read the manual, especially if it is the first time you buy their product.

The downside is that the best soil mix for raised veggie beds does not feature safety handling gloves or scooping spoons. This should, however, not stress since it's 100% organic.

Pros
  • Great value for the money - you get two packs for the price of one
  • A 100% organic
  • OMRI certified
  • Comes with user manual included
  • Great water retention capacity
Cons
  • No safety handling gloves
  • No scooping spoon

5. Miracle-Gro Soil Mix, 3lbb

Miracle-Gro Nature's Care Organic & Natural Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Plant Food, 3 Lbs.
Miracle-Gro Nature's Care Organic & Natural Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Plant Food, 3 Lbs.

If you haven't yet discovered the best garden soil mix for raised beds for your raised beds, feel safe with the Miracle-Gro 3lbb soil mix. Unlike most other soils you will come across in the market, this one come featuring added calcium which is very important for your vegetable and plants.

It is designed explicitly for planting herbs and vegetables such as tomatoes. The good thing about the soil is that it works faster to deliver nutrients to your plant roots - thus ensuring they grow faster, study, and healthier.

The soil is rich in nutrients and will keep plants well-fed for more than 60 days. This is important as it means you will need to add no fertilizers or other plant foods, and hence you save a lot.

Miracle-Gro soil ensures that your raised bed plants will never compete for nutrients with weeds. This holds since the soil suppresses weed growth,

It's 100% from natural products, so you can be certain it is safe to handle and use to plant edible plants. However, the packaging is small (3lbb), and you may have to purchase several packs to meet your needs. In the long run, you may end incurring more costs.

Pros
  • Added calcium adds more benefits to your raised bed plants
  • Suppresses weed growth
  • Safe to handle and grow edible plants
  • Multipurpose
  • Well-aerated
Cons
  • It may not be the best value for money
  • Drainage may be poor if your over-water

6. FoxFarm 14000 Soil Mix 38.6Qtz

Fox Farm OceanForest1.5CF-4Pack FX14000 Potting Soil, Brown
Fox Farm OceanForest1.5CF-4Pack FX14000 Potting Soil, Brown

According to the information provided by its manufacturer, we can confidently argue that FoxFam 14000 soil mix is simply an excellent choice for your raised beds. To begin with, the soil comes featuring almost everything that your plants need desperately for optimal growth.

For instance, t features ingredients such as bat guano, forest humus, earthworm castings, moss, crab meal, and sea-going fish, among many others. All these work together to feed your 'hungry" raised bed plants so that they achieve maturity earlier.

Moreover, the soil comes with a regulated PH (of 6.3 to 6.8), and this facilitates quicker uptake of minerals and water from the soil by the plant roots.

With the proper soil mix for raised beds, you will notice strong branches, healthy plants, and maximum yields.

What's more, the soil is well-aerated to allow free movement of air. This makes it easier for oxygen to reach your plant roots and helpful soil microbes.

Pros
  • Proper aeration, moisture retention, and drainage
  • Rich in nutrients
  • Fine texture
  • Easy to use
  • Balanced PH to enhance nutrient uptake
Cons
  • Some people complained about the product weight - it did not weigh as indicated
  • Requires proper care once the seal is open

7. Master Nursery MGG2, 2Cu

Master Nursery MGG2 Bumper Crop Gardener's Gold Organic Potting Soil, 2 Cuft.
Master Nursery MGG2 Bumper Crop Gardener's Gold Organic Potting Soil, 2 Cuft.

If you are growing annuals or perennials on raised bed gardens, hanging baskets, or pots, you will need a good soil mix for raised beds that will save you the hassle of regular watering and weeding. Unfortunately, such soil can pose a nightmare to find; however, not anymore with Master Nursery MGG2 Soil Mix.

The soil is creatively formulated to suit all your raised bed plants' growing needs, so rest assured you have a great option. It will supply nutrients for as long as possible and block weed growth so that your plants don't compete for nutrients.

It features valuable nutrient boosting ingredients such as sphagnum peat, crab shells, aged barks, composted cow manure, lobster, perlite, dehydrated poultry manure, etc., with all these; you can be certain that your plants will never starve.

The soil boasts of its superior water-saving formulation, which saves you significantly since you don't have to water daily. You will also like it to go for justifiable costs and be purchased at your comfort zone.

Most users like it as it's multipurpose and will support almost anything you wish to grow -either indoors or outdoors.

Pros
  • Water-saving formulation
  • Wide range of uses
  • No tilling is necessary
  • Justifiable costs
  • Great for indoor, outdoor, or greenhouse planting purposes
Cons
  • It may not be affordable to all
  • Online buyers can experience delays in delivery

8. TRUE Organic Soil Mix, 4lbb

True Organic - Raised Bed Plant Food 4lbs - CDFA, OMRI, For Organic Gardening…
True Organic - Raised Bed Plant Food 4lbs - CDFA, OMRI, For Organic Gardening…

Those who have tried this True Organic compost mix for raised beds on their raised beds previously can tell you that its name isn't for fun. The soil is "truly" organic and features zero traces of unwanted chemicals.

It beats other alternatives in the market as it comes with up to 5% of added calcium meant to boost your plant growth. The added calcium is essential as it helps to loosen soil and stabilize organic matter structure. This goes a long way to stabilizing soil water-nutrient retention capacity.

Additionally, it features 1% sulfur which is very important as it helps in the formation of plant proteins, vitamins, enzymes, and chlorophyll. More so, the included sulfur also helps in nitrogen fixation by legumes and nodule development.

Unlike some other market options, the soil features farm-grade ingredients that do not pollute the environment. Instead, it helps to replenish the soil for maximum production now and in the future.

Pros
  • Great for planting all the plants
  • Balanced PH
  • It does not pollute the environment
  • Farm-grade ingredients only
  • No smelly odor
Cons
  • It can be costly
  • Shipping may not be as quick as expected. Also no free shipping

9. Miracle-Gro Soil Mix, 2 Cu. Ft

Miracle-Gro Potting Mix 2 Cu. Ft.
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix 2 Cu. Ft.

If you are wondering why Miracle-Gro soil mix is dominating our list, the answer is straightforward. They are the real OGs of ideal soil mix for raised beds, and theirs will feed your plants for up to 6 months without requiring you to add anything other than water.

Better yet, Miracle-Gro soil will boost the growth of your plants so that they grow twice as big. This promises you earlier maturity, healthier growth, and maximum yield.

The soil also features root stimulators which are meant to trigger root developments. With strong, healthy, and developed roots, your raised bed plants feed more aggressively and grow healthier.

Besides, Miracle-Gro soil boasts of superior drainage and proper aeration. It drains off excess water, thus preventing root rot and retaining sufficient moisture, thus blocking wilt incidences.

Interestingly, the soil comes "nutrient specific," implying that it only feeds plants and not weeds. Therefore, you will never discover weeds on your raised beds, which saves you the hassle of weeding and the costs of harmful herbicides.

Pros
  • Come nutrient specific
  • Features root stimulators for more aggressive feedings
  • Superior moisture retention
  • Enough nutrients to feed plants for up to 6 months
  • Eliminate the need for herbicides
Cons
  • Some people complained of fungus gnats
  • Others discovered molds

10. Organic Plant Magic Soil Mix

Compressed Organic Potting-Soil For Garden & Plants - Expands Up To 4 Times When Mixed With Water - Nutrient Rich Plant Food Derived From Natural Coconut Coir & Worm Castings Fertilizer
Compressed Organic Potting-Soil For Garden & Plants - Expands Up To 4 Times When Mixed With Water - Nutrient Rich Plant Food Derived From Natural Coconut Coir & Worm Castings Fertilizer

Whether you are growing edible plants or flowers on your raised beds, you must grow them on raised beds' ideal soil mix. Such soil will never pollute the environment and will never pose a threat to your wellbeing. If you are of this idea, go for Organic Plant Magic Soil Mix.

The first thing you will like about this soil mix for raised beds is that a little does a lot. Therefore you don't have to incur too much buying several bags -grab this pack of compressed soil mix and add a little to your pots or raised bed. Then add sufficient water and watch the magic. It will expand up to 4X times and fill the pots.

Besides, it comes highly concentrated in nutrients to nourish your beloved plants for as long as possible. With it, you will never bother yourself with things such as fertilizers or other soil additives.

Additionally, the soil is 100% organic and biodegradable. Therefore your pets, children, and garden will never be exposed to any risk.

Those who used it before have confirmed the allegations by its manufacturer that it holds water up to 50% more than any other soil; hence it's an outstanding choice.

Pros
  • Organic and Biodegradable
  • Non-toxic
  • Rapid hydration
  • A little goes a long way
  • No smelly chemicals
Cons
  • It's prone to white bugs, according to some users
  • According to some users, the soil lacks the smell of freshly tilled soil

11. Miracle-Gro Soil Mix 0.33 Cu Ft

Miracle-Gro Expand 'n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix 0.33 Cu Ft
Miracle-Gro Expand 'n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix 0.33 Cu Ft

If you have been searching for the best soil mix for raised beds but to no avail, look no further, as here is supposedly what you have been lacking. Miracle-Gro soil mix proves in worth that it comes with sufficient nutrients to feed any plant for more than half a year.

Better yet, it saves you huge costs since you only a tiny amount to cover a wide area. Your soil will expand to 3X than regular soil meaning even a small pack may fill a large pot or cover the entire raised bed garden.

Unlike some alternatives you may have encountered with other soil brands, this one from miracle-gro ships relatively faster so that you don't have to wait for decades. Be sure that you will not encounter the inconveniences of late delivery (however, covid19 restriction may pose challenges)

Miracle-Gro soil is well known for supporting the proper growth of plant roots and hence plants. It creates 90% air spaces once you add water implying adequate aeration and drainage.

Moreover, it comes light-textured and lightweight hence easy to use and handle.

Pros
  • No chemical traces
  • Light-textured
  • Light-weight
  • Easy to use
  • Wide range of applications
Cons
  • Contacting the manufacturer for a refund is hectic
  • No free delivery

Best Soil Mix for Raised Beds Buying Guide

Beds Buying Guide For Soil Mix
Beds Buying Guide For Soil Mix

When buying the best soil mix for raised beds, there are many vital considerations to make if your decision must be right. Some of these include:

Drainage and Water Retention

You should always pay attention to the key things whenever purchasing the best soil for your raised beds are drainage and water holding capacity. The soil should balance the two, so that plant roots don't rot or wilt.

Aeration

Your raised bed plant root requires oxygen to thrive. Experts recommend you check that the soil you are purchasing creates enough air spaces for air to flow freely.

PH

Soil PH determines the ease with which plant roots will uptake minerals, nutrients, and water from the ground. High PH means less acidity and hence optimum minerals uptake.

Texture

The texture of your raised bed soil mix will affect several properties. For example, it will affect soil aeration, water holding capacity, and drainage. Make sure you check such details before making a purchase decision.

Organic or Inorganic

Organic or Inorganic
Organic or Inorganic

When you go to the market, you will encounter the above two different types of soils. Experts advise you to go for organic soil since it contains no chemicals. It will, therefore, not pose any threats to you, your plants, or the environment.

The Bottom Line

As you've probably discovered from this discussion, different types of soils have varying properties, and hence they will favor different kinds of plants. Therefore, you should research what suits the optimum growth of the specific plants you wish to grow on your raised beds and match that with the best soil brands. That way, you will never go wrong with choosing the best soil mix for raised beds.

Buy on Walmart

New Coast of Maine - Organic Raised Bed Mix - Castine Blend, 1.0cf - Walmart Link

Black Gold Natural and Organic Raised Bed and Potting Mix 1.5 cubic foot - Walmart Link

Vegepod - Raised Garden Bed - Self Watering Container Garden Kit with Protective Cover, - Walmart Link

Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Raised Bed Mix - Organic and Natural Ingredients, - Walmart Link

Foreman Raised Garden Bed 48"Lx24"Wx32"H Premium HPL Plastic Wood Grain Aluminum Legs - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

New Coast of Maine - Organic Raised Bed Mix - Castine Blend, 1.0cf - eBay Link

Black Gold Natural and Organic Raised Bed and Potting Mix 1.5 cubic foot - eBay Link

Vegepod - Raised Garden Bed - Self Watering Container Garden Kit with Protective Cover, - eBay Link

Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Raised Bed Mix - Organic and Natural Ingredients, - eBay Link

Foreman Raised Garden Bed 48"Lx24"Wx32"H Premium HPL Plastic Wood Grain Aluminum Legs - eBay Link

About Christina Lopez

Christina Lopez grew up in the scenic city of Mountain View, California. For eighteen ascetic years, she refrained from eating meat until she discovered the exquisite delicacy of chicken thighs. Christina is a city finalist competitive pingpong player, an ocean diver, and an ex-pat in England and Japan. Currently, she is a computer science doctoral student. Christina writes late at night; most of her daytime is spent enchanting her magical herb garden.


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