SRL The Self-Reliance Library
C02.S2.N09

The Self-Reliance Library · Food Cultivation

RAISED BED SOIL LAYERS

Raised Bed Fill Field Guide

Fill deep beds with useful layers while keeping rich soil where roots grow.

Core rule: keep raw bulk low, compost high, growing mix on top, and expect the bed to settle.

1 Layer Cutaway

growing mix compost low bulk if deep water drains down

Keep the richest layer near the top. Lower layers fill space only when the bed is deep.

2 Shallow vs Deep Bed

shallow: mostly mix deep: layered fill

Shallow beds need good mix throughout. Deep beds can use clean lower bulk.

3 Water + Settling

water slowly settles after soaking

Water before planting. Fresh layers sink after the first slow soak.

4 Do This / Avoid This

Do this

  • Clean material.
  • Compost high.
  • Best mix on top.
  • Water and top up.

Avoid this

  • Treated waste.
  • Raw scraps.
  • Soggy bottom.
  • Planting before settling.

5 Fill Steps + Trouble Signs

  1. Clear ground.
  2. Lay cardboard.
  3. Add low bulk if deep.
  4. Add broken-down organic matter.
  1. Add compost.
  2. Add growing mix.
  3. Water and settle.
  4. Top up and plant.
sinks lowtop up with mix
stays wetcheck drainage
wood exposedcover with finished mix