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Best Soil For Herbs In Raised Beds (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for a bountiful harvest of healthy herbs, raised bed gardening is a great way to start. But choosing the right soil for your raised bed is crucial to the success of your plants. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one.

Before selecting soil for your herbs in raised beds, consider a few factors: the climate in your area, the amount of sunlight exposure in the location of the raised bed, and the types of herbs you want to grow. Some herbs require different soil conditions, so it's important to research the needs of each herb before making a purchase. Additionally, consider the water drainage and retention capabilities of the soil, as overwatering plants can lead to root rot and other issues.

Are you tired of plants dying in your garden due to poor soil conditions? Do you want to take complete control of your herb garden's growth and health? Choosing the right soil is the first step to a thriving garden. And if you're new to gardening, don't worry! We've got you covered with tips and tricks to get the most out of your raised bed. Keep reading to learn more about the important factors to consider when selecting soil and some recommended soil options for raised bed herb gardening.

10 Best Soil For Herbs In Raised Beds

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, and succulents in a raised garden bed with deep root box planter and large capacity.
2
Ideal for raised bed gardening with vegetables, herbs, and flowers due to its organic blend of natural ingredients.
3
Ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs in a raised garden bed on wheels for easy maneuverability on the patio.
4
It is ideal for growing plants, herbs, and vegetables in an outdoor gardening setting with easy assembly and stackable arrangements.
5
The product is ideal for growing plants in a small space with self-watering capabilities and efficient drainage.
6
The product is ideal for elevated gardening and mobility with additional features such as lockable wheels and a storage shelf.
7
The product is ideal for growing various plants at home, especially on patios, decks, or balconies.
8
The product is ideal for growing herbs and vegetables outdoors in a naturally rot-resistant raised garden bed with sturdy legs.
9
It is ideal for growing and harvesting fresh herbs indoors or outdoors.
10
It is ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, and fruits in a raised garden bed on a backyard patio.
Ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, and succulents in a raised garden bed with deep root box planter and large capacity.
Ideal for raised bed gardening with vegetables, herbs, and flowers due to its organic blend of natural ingredients.
Ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs in a raised garden bed on wheels for easy maneuverability on the patio.
It is ideal for growing plants, herbs, and vegetables in an outdoor gardening setting with easy assembly and stackable arrangements.
The product is ideal for growing plants in a small space with self-watering capabilities and efficient drainage.
The product is ideal for elevated gardening and mobility with additional features such as lockable wheels and a storage shelf.
The product is ideal for growing various plants at home, especially on patios, decks, or balconies.
The product is ideal for growing herbs and vegetables outdoors in a naturally rot-resistant raised garden bed with sturdy legs.
It is ideal for growing and harvesting fresh herbs indoors or outdoors.
It is ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, and fruits in a raised garden bed on a backyard patio.

1. Metal Raised Garden Bed For Bountiful Harvests

Introducing the 24-inch deep garden bed that can hold up to 269 gallons of soil, perfect for medium to deep-rooted plants and vegetables such as broccoli and beans. This product does not include a bottom panel, providing an open base that is ideal for composting. The ribbed steel material helps to create enriched soil by layering yard waste, food scraps, and other additives. The bed measures 72 inches in length, 36 inches in width, and 24 inches in height. Its beveled steel panels are easy to assemble with the set of included wingnuts and bolts. The steel plates are powder-coated to last for years and retain their shape with the help of two steel support bars, preventing soil leakage and warping over time.

This 24-inch deep garden bed is a perfect solution for those who would like to have a garden bed that can hold more soil, allowing for the growth of medium to deep-rooted plants and vegetables. Its open base makes it ideal for composting, creating enriched soil at home. The steel material is powder-coated and ribbed, making it durable and long-lasting. The bed also comes with inner stabilizing bars that help retain its shape and prevent soil leakage over time. Its beveled steel panels are easy to assemble, making it a hassle-free process.

With a growing depth of 24 inches, this garden bed can hold up to 269 gallons of soil, making it suitable for plants and vegetables that require medium to deep rooting. The bed is made of powder-coated steel plates that guarantee durability and long-lasting use. The open base design of the bed makes it a perfect compost bed, allowing you to layer yard waste, food scraps, and other additives to create enriched soil at home. The bed is easy to assemble, thanks to its beveled steel panels and set of included wingnuts and bolts. The bed measures 72 inches in length, 36 inches in width, and 24 inches in height, and comes with two inner stabilizing bars that help prevent warping and soil leakage over time.

Pros

  • Holds up to 269 gallons of soil
  • Ideal for medium to deep rooting plants and vegetables
  • Beveled steel panels for easy, tool-free assembly
  • Powder-coated steel plates for long-lasting use
  • Open base design perfect for composting
  • Inner stabilizing bars prevent soil leakage and warping over time

2. Organic Raised Bed Soil Mix – All Natural!

If you're looking for a high-quality soil mixture for your raised bed or planter boxes, the Castine Blend Organic Raised Bed Mix 10 Pack is an excellent option. This super soil mixture is created with a rich and diverse formula that is specifically designed to promote plant growth. The mixture includes manure compost, worm castings, lobster and kelp meals, mycorrhizae, greensand, and biochar.

The organic growing mix is perfect for those who want to grow healthy vegetables, herbs, and flowers. It provides an ideal balance between soil texture, structure, water retention, drainage, and aeration for optimal growth. The mixture is ready to use right out of the bag, so there is no need for tilling or additional components.

The 10 pack of Castine Blend Organic Raised Bed Mix covers 10 cubic feet and is OMRI Listed for organic use. The product is made in Canada and has dimensions of 2.5 x 16.5 x 25 inches with a weight of 28.3 liters. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting, this product is a great choice for your raised bed or planter boxes.

Pros

  • Rich and diverse formula designed to promote plant growth
  • Ideal balance between soil texture, structure, water retention, drainage, and aeration
  • Ready to use out of the bag
  • OMRI Listed for organic use

3. Foyuee Garden Roll Box – Elevated & Mobile!

The elevated raised planter box with legs is perfect for people who love gardening but face difficulty in bending over. The planter box measures 40-1/2" L x 15-1/2" W x 31-1/2" H overall, and the planting box measures 37-1/2" L x 15-1/2" W x 8" deep, providing ample growing space for vegetables, herbs, flowers, and plants. The raised garden bed on wheels can be moved anywhere, and the handy shelf can hold accessories or tools.

Made of stable galvanized steel, the raised garden bed has an anti-rusty grey coating and is not made of wood, which may rot. It can be placed outside or indoors for long term use. In the middle of the cart, there is a drainage hole and a drainage line to prevent waterlogging, and the planter can be planted directly in the bed.

The space-saving standing planter requires only about 5 minutes to set up and is easy to assemble. With this planter box, gardening is no longer a tedious task.

Pros

  • Ample growing space for vegetables, herbs, flowers, and plants.
  • Elevated raised planter box with legs eliminates the need to bend over.
  • Raised garden bed on wheels can be moved anywhere.
  • Handy shelf can hold accessories or tools.
  • Made of stable galvanized steel with an anti-rusty grey coating.
  • Drainage hole and line prevent waterlogging.

Cons

  • – Assembly required.

4. Fir Wood Garden Planter – Easy Stack Assembly

This 4x4ft garden bed has three tiers that can be customized according to the user's preferences. It is perfect for separating vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other plants for better organization. The garden bed has a stair-step design with three different depths: 22in, 15in, and 8in. These depths are great for growing plants and vegetables with different root lengths, varying from short to medium and long.

The garden bed can be arranged in different ways, depending on the user's needs. It can be stacked up tall for a three-tier design, or each section can be laid out in a flat line to provide three planting areas of different sizes. The garden bed is made with durable fir wood that resists breakdown, adding a natural appeal to the user's garden.

Setting up this garden bed is easy as no tools are required. The user can seamlessly slide panels into the slots of the sturdy, reinforced corners to build the new garden bed in just a few minutes. The overall dimensions of the garden bed are 48"(L) x 48"(W) x 21"(H).

Pros

  • Customizable tiers for better organization of plants
  • Stair-step design with three different depths for varied root lengths
  • Different arrangements possible to meet the user's needs
  • Easy to assemble without requiring any tools
  • Sturdy build with reinforced corners
  • Durable fir wood that resists breakdown
  • Natural appeal that adds simple charm to the user's garden

5. Keter Self-Watering Raised Garden Bed – Dark Grey

Enhance the charm of your balcony with this beautiful and functional planter. Measuring 32.3 in. L x 14.7 in. W x 30.7 in. H, it is perfect for urban living and can be used to grow herbs or other small plants.

The planter features an easy-to-read water gauge that indicates when plants require additional moisture. The watering system includes a reservoir that prevents root decay and overwatering. The drainage system of the planter can be opened or closed, giving you full control of watering.

This planter is easy to assemble with simple instructions. It is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to add some greenery to their balcony or terrace.

Pros

  • Functional and beautiful planter for urban living
  • Easy-to-read water gauge for accurate watering
  • Watering system with a reservoir to prevent root decay and overwatering
  • Drainage system can be opened or closed for full control of watering
  • Easy assembly with simple instructions

6. Mobile Elevated Garden Bed With Storage Shelf

The Easy Mobility garden planter is designed to provide convenience to gardeners with locking wheels that allow them to move it to capture the right amount of sun and shade. With an ergonomic structure standing 32 inches tall, it is perfect for those who struggle to bend down or lean over while gardening. This garden planter is built with a garden bed liner that separates wood from the soil, keeping the planter in excellent condition and preventing weeds and other invasive species from interfering with plant growth.

Maximize your planting and storage space with the large bed that comes with a built-in storage shelf for your favorite garden accessories. The four drainage holes in the garden planter allow excess water to drain out, preventing root breakdown and oversaturation while keeping the soil fresh. Overall, the garden planter has dimensions of 48 inches in length, 23.25 inches in width, and 32 inches in height. It has a weight capacity of 100 lbs.

Pros

  • Easy to move around with locking wheels
  • Ergonomic structure that is perfect for those who struggle to bend down or lean over while gardening
  • Built-in garden bed liner that separates wood from the soil, preventing weeds and other invasive species from interfering with plant growth
  • Large bed with a built-in storage shelf that maximizes planting and storage space
  • Four drainage holes that prevent root breakdown and oversaturation while keeping the soil fresh

7. Jumbl Elevated Cedar Garden Bed: Grow Fresh At Home

The Elevated Outdoor Planter is the perfect solution for those who want to grow a beautiful herb garden in a limited space. This planter features a practical and stunning design that allows you to grow your favorite herbs, veggies, fruits, flowers, and other vegetation above the ground.

Crafted from 100% red cedar, this planter is built to last season after season. The high-grade cedar wood is resistant to weather-related damage and won't warp, shrink or swell in high humidity. The unique red coloring of the wood adds to the planter's beauty and charm.

The comfortable raised design of the planter makes it easy to tend to your plants without having to bend over or kneel. It also provides excellent drainage, ensuring that your plants get the right amount of water without becoming waterlogged.

Setting up the Elevated Outdoor Planter is super simple and easy. The set includes step-by-step instructions, parts, and hardware, making assembly a breeze. All you need to do is fill it with soil, seeds, or starter plants and place it in a sunny location.

The Standing Garden comes in four different sizes, making it the perfect fit for any small space. You can grow rosemary, mint, cilantro, thyme, parsley, oregano, lavender, and other floral/herbal favorites anywhere, whether it's on your patio or apartment balcony.

With the Elevated Outdoor Planter, you can enjoy a bountiful crop season after season. It's the perfect choice for anyone who wants to grow their own herbs and vegetables in a limited space, and it adds a stunning accompaniment to any small space.

Pros

  • Practical and stunning design
  • Crafted from 100% red cedar for durability
  • Comfortable raised design for easy tending and excellent drainage
  • Super simple assembly and setup with included instructions, parts, and hardware
  • Available in four sizes to fit any small space
  • Perfect for growing a variety of herbs, veggies, fruits, flowers, and other vegetation

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for those with larger gardening needs

8. Cedar Garden Bed Kit – Elevated & Durable

The Natural, Unfinished Wood Elevated Garden Bench Planter is a beautiful addition to any space. It provides a sturdy and heavy-duty design that is sturdier than any of the competition. The planter box is made of strong, rot-resistant yellow cedar that easily supports the weight of soil, water, and plants without breaking. It can even be used as an excellent herb planter. The product dimensions are 48” (L) by 24” (W) x 33” (H) and it holds 5 cubic feet of soil total. The product looks great as-is, but you can also finish the planter box to your own liking. To ensure your satisfaction and the product’s performance, there is a manufacturer’s warranty on the product for one year. This warranty offers a full replacement or refund if your planter fails while in use. It does not cover aging and weathering over time or cracks in the wood, as these are to be expected with all unfinished planters.

Pros

  • Sturdy and heavy-duty design
  • Made of strong, rot-resistant yellow cedar
  • Can be used as an excellent herb planter
  • Product dimensions are 48” (L) by 24” (W) x 33” (H) and holds 5 cubic feet of soil total
  • Manufacturer’s warranty on the product for one year

Cons

  • – Does not cover aging and weathering over time or cracks in the wood

9. Vegtrug 8 Pocket Herb Garden

Introducing the Herb Planter, an ideal solution for those who love to grow their own herbs but don't have enough space. This planter allows you to grow up to eight different herbs in one place, making it perfect for those who love to cook with fresh ingredients. Its ideal working height ensures that you won't have to strain your back while tending to your plants.

The planter comes with pre-formed replaceable liners, making it easy to change the soil when needed. These liners also prevent soil from spilling out, keeping your patio or balcony clean.

Treated with a food-safe preservative, this planter ensures that your herbs stay healthy and safe for consumption. Its lower storage shelf provides ample space for storing your gardening tools, keeping them within reach.

This herb planter is also easy to build, making it a perfect choice for beginners. Its compact design ensures that it fits in small spaces, while its sturdy construction ensures that it lasts for years to come.

Pros

  • Allows you to grow up to eight different herbs in one place
  • Ideal working height ensures that you won't have to strain your back while tending to your plants
  • Pre-formed replaceable liners prevent soil from spilling out
  • Treated with a food-safe preservative, ensuring that your herbs stay healthy and safe for consumption
  • Lower storage shelf provides ample space for storing your gardening tools
  • Easy to build and perfect for beginners
  • Compact design ensures that it fits in small spaces
  • Sturdy construction ensures that it lasts for years to come

10. Galvanized Raised Garden Planner – Frizione.

If you want to have a spacious area for your plants, this plant bed is perfect for you. With a measurement of 94.5"L x 47.2"W x 23.6"H, it provides ample growing space for vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other plants. The 23.6-inch depth of the bed gives enough capacity to hold soil for your plants to grow healthily.

This planter box is made of durable galvanized steel with an anti-rust coating that allows it to withstand exposure to sun, rain, snow, and other weather conditions for a long time. The thickened steel and reinforced corners can support the weight of the garden bed itself, soil, and plants.

The galvanized steel garden bed has an eco-friendly coating that does not contaminate the soil, making it a safe and reliable option for growing food. The inner steel stabilizing support bars help the metal panels retain their shape, preventing warping and soil leakage over time.

This metal raised garden bed is bottomless designed, which allows the roots of the plants to extend freely and excess moisture to drain away easily. It is perfect for planting vegetables, herbs, succulents, flowers, and other plants.

The garden box comes with ground nails and has a simple structure that is easy to assemble. Clear instructions and required hardware are provided to shorten your assembly time. The garden bed with ground nails makes the planting box more stable and secure.

Pros

  • Spacious area for plants
  • Durable galvanized steel construction with anti-rust coating
  • Eco-friendly coating that does not contaminate soil
  • Inner steel stabilizing support bars prevent warping and soil leakage
  • Bottomless design allows roots to extend freely and excess moisture to drain away
  • Easy to assemble with clear instructions and required hardware
  • Comes with ground nails for added stability

Best Soil For Herbs In Raised Beds FAQs

Can you use compost or other organic matter to amend the soil in raised herb beds?

Yes, absolutely! Using compost or other organic matter to amend the soil in raised herb beds is a fantastic idea. Organic matter is a key component in creating healthy, nutrient-rich soil that will support strong and productive plants. By adding compost or other organic material, you can improve the texture and structure of the soil, increase its water-holding capacity, and help to create a thriving ecosystem for your herbs.

One of the great things about raised herb beds is that they allow you to control the quality of the soil much more easily than you would be able to with a traditional garden bed. This means that you can tailor the soil to the specific needs of your herbs, and amend it as necessary to ensure optimal growing conditions.

When choosing a compost or organic material to amend your raised herb bed, it's important to select a high-quality product that is free from contaminants and has been properly composted. You can also consider adding other amendments, such as vermiculite or perlite, to further improve the soil quality. With a little bit of care and attention, you can create a thriving herb garden that will provide you with delicious and nutritious herbs for years to come.

How do you prepare the soil for planting herbs in raised beds?

Preparing the soil for planting herbs in raised beds is an essential step for ensuring healthy and productive plants. The first step is to remove any existing vegetation or weeds from the area. Next, add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil. This will help to improve soil fertility and structure, and provide essential nutrients for your herbs. Once the compost has been added, mix it thoroughly with the soil using a garden fork or tiller. The ideal soil pH for growing herbs is between 6.0 and 7.0, so it's a good idea to test your soil's pH levels before planting. If the pH is too low, add lime to raise it. If it's too high, add sulfur to lower it. Finally, add a layer of mulch to the top of the soil. This will help to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth. With proper soil preparation, your herbs will thrive in their new raised beds.

How often should you replenish or replace the soil in raised herb beds to maintain healthy plants?

Maintaining healthy plants in raised herb beds requires more than just regular watering and pruning. The soil in raised herb beds can become depleted over time as plants absorb nutrients and water. Therefore, it is important to replenish or replace the soil periodically to ensure that the plants continue to thrive.

The frequency at which you should replenish or replace the soil largely depends on the type of soil used, the type of plants grown, and the environmental conditions in which the bed is located. Generally, it is recommended to replenish the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, every year to improve soil fertility and structure.

If the soil becomes compacted, waterlogged, or has a lot of weeds, it may be time to replace the soil entirely. This should be done every 3-5 years to maintain healthy plants. When replacing the soil, it is important to remove any weeds or debris and mix in fresh soil and compost to improve the growing conditions for the plants.

Regularly monitoring the soil conditions, watering and fertilizing appropriately, and replacing or replenishing the soil when necessary will help to ensure that your raised herb beds remain healthy and productive for years to come.

What nutrients should be added to the soil for optimal herb growth in raised beds?

For optimal herb growth in raised beds, there are several key nutrients that should be added to the soil. Firstly, nitrogen is essential for healthy foliage growth, so adding a nitrogen-rich fertilizer such as blood meal or fish emulsion can be beneficial. Secondly, phosphorus is important for strong root development, so a fertilizer containing bone meal or rock phosphate can be added. Thirdly, potassium is essential for overall plant health and disease resistance, so a potassium-rich fertilizer like wood ash or kelp meal can be added. Additionally, herbs benefit from a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0, so adding lime or sulfur to adjust the pH may be necessary. It's also important to regularly add organic matter to the soil, such as compost or aged manure, to improve soil structure and fertility. By providing these essential nutrients and maintaining healthy soil, herbs can thrive in raised beds and provide a bountiful harvest.

What type of soil is best for growing herbs in raised beds?

The type of soil that is best for growing herbs in raised beds is a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This type of soil allows for proper drainage, which is important for preventing waterlogged roots and other issues that can harm the growth of herbs. Additionally, a soil that is rich in organic matter provides the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth, which is essential for growing herbs that are flavorful and aromatic.

When selecting soil for raised beds, it is important to avoid soils that are heavy and compacted, as these can prevent proper drainage and root growth. Instead, opt for a soil mix that contains a combination of organic matter such as compost, peat moss, and vermiculite or perlite to improve drainage and aeration.

It is also important to test the pH of the soil to ensure that it is within the optimal range for growing herbs, which is typically between 6.0 and 7.5. By selecting the right soil mix and maintaining proper pH levels, you can ensure that your herbs will thrive in your raised bed garden.

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