Home Gardening 101: Where To Find Cheap Soil for Your Garden Beds

Raised garden beds have become a popular choice among gardeners wanting to grow their bounty in the comfort of their homes. Unlike beds in the ground, raised garden beds offer better drainage, allowing growers to cultivate crops in areas that otherwise could not support gardening.

That being said, filling raised beds with soil can be costly. Fortunately, getting quality soil for your garden beds doesn't have to break the bank. There are several cost-effective options available, ranging from local resources to innovative gardening techniques.

Here's where you can find cheap soil for your gardening needs:

Local Waste Disposal

Many municipalities offer free or low-cost compost or mulch made from organic waste collected from residents. Contact your local waste disposal facility or check their website to inquire about available compost or mulch programs. Some cities even provide free delivery or allow residents to pick up compost or mulch directly from the facility.

Chip Drop

Chip Drop is a service that connects homeowners and gardeners with local arborists who are looking to offload wood chips and other organic materials from tree trimming or removal projects. By signing up for Chip Drop, you can receive free wood chips delivered directly to your property, which can be used as mulch or incorporated into your garden beds to improve soil structure and fertility.

Local Gardening Community

Joining your local gardening community or online gardening groups can be a valuable resource for finding cheap or free soil. Fellow gardeners may be willing to share excess soil or compost from their own gardens or offer tips on where to find affordable gardening supplies in your area. Participating in community gardening events or seed exchanges is another way to connect with fellow gardeners and access free or discounted resources.

Other Tips

Buy in Bulk

Purchasing soil in bulk from landscaping supply companies or nurseries can often be more cost-effective than buying small bags from garden centers. Consider splitting the cost with friends or neighbors to further reduce expenses.

Hugelkultur Method

Hugelkultur is a gardening technique that involves creating raised garden beds filled with organic materials such as logs, branches, and compost. In some cases, you can even use tape and plastic-free cardboard in the lower layers of your raised bed. This method can help improve soil fertility and water retention over time while utilizing free or inexpensive materials sourced from your own property or local surroundings.