How much soil do I need for a raised bed?

Calculate length x width x depth. A standard 4x8 raised bed at 12 inches deep needs about 32 cubic feet, or roughly 1.2 cubic yards. Use our calculator above to get exact numbers for your specific bed dimensions.

How deep should soil be in a raised bed?

At least 6 inches for most vegetables, though 12 inches is ideal for healthy root development. Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes need 12-18 inches of depth. Shallow-rooted herbs and lettuce can grow in as little as 6 inches.

What's the best soil mix for raised beds?

A great all-purpose mix is 60% topsoil, 30% compost, and 10% potting mix. This provides good drainage, nutrients, and structure. Many garden centers sell pre-mixed "raised bed mix" that works well right out of the bag.

How many bags of soil do I need?

One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Standard bags are 1 or 2 cubic feet. For large projects, buying in bulk (by the cubic yard) is much cheaper — often half the price per cubic foot compared to bags.

How do I calculate soil for an irregular shaped garden?

Break it into rectangles, calculate each separately, then add them together. Our calculator supports multiple beds so you can enter each section individually and get a combined total.

Should I replace all the soil in my garden beds?

Not usually. Top up with 2-3 inches of compost annually to replenish nutrients. Only replace soil if it's contaminated, severely compacted, or depleted beyond amendment. Healthy soil is a living ecosystem worth preserving.