Planning Your Garden Soil
The right soil mix is the foundation of a successful garden. This calculator helps you determine how much soil, compost, or fill you need for raised beds, planters, and garden projects.
Before you buy:
- Know your bed dimensions: Measure length, width, and depth
- Plan for settling: Soil settles 10-20% after watering
- Consider your plants: Vegetables need rich, loamy soil
- Check drainage: Raised beds often need added drainage material
- Compare prices: Bulk is cheaper; bags are easier for small projects
Types of Garden Soil
| Type | Cost/cu yd | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Topsoil | $15-30 | Filling, grading, lawn leveling |
| Garden Soil Mix | $30-50 | Flower beds, shrubs, general gardening |
| Compost | $25-45 | Soil amendment, organic matter |
| Raised Bed Mix | $40-60 | Raised beds, vegetables |
| Potting Mix | $60-100 | Containers, indoor plants |
Perfect Raised Bed Soil Mix
60%
Topsoil
The base structure
30%
Compost
Nutrients & organic matter
10%
Peat/Perlite
Drainage & aeration
This mix works great for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Adjust compost higher for heavy feeders.
How to Calculate Soil Needs
1. Cubic Feet = Length × Width × Depth (all in feet)
2. If depth in inches: Cubic Feet = L × W × (Depth ÷ 12)
3. Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
4. Bags (2 cu ft): Cubic Feet ÷ 2
Pro tips:
- Add 10-15% extra for settling after watering
- Bulk delivery is economical for 1+ cubic yards
- Bags work best for small projects under 1/2 yard
Example: 4×8 ft Raised Bed
Scenario: Filling a 4×8 ft raised bed that's 12 inches deep.
- Cubic feet: 4 × 8 × (12 ÷ 12) = 32 cu ft
- Cubic yards: 32 ÷ 27 = 1.19 cubic yards
- Add 10% for settling: 1.3 cubic yards
- Or in bags (2 cu ft each): 32 ÷ 2 = 16-18 bags
Cost: 18 bags × $8 = $144 OR 1.5 cu yd bulk × $45 = $68 + delivery