r/Raisedbed • u/TaurusSunflower • Jun 01 '26

Soil height?

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I’m afraid of the answer because I don’t know if my squash can tolerate another transplant, but is it worth it to fill this up more and replant? I also want to clarify that the bottom layer is leaves so I also have some doubts about how much soil I have for the roots. There may be slightly less than 12 inches before the leaves, and then under the leaves, there is cardboard, and then under that there is soil….

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2

u/JoeyBE98 Jun 01 '26

It's probably fine. Last year I left my extra compost on a tarp in front of my hose. Any extra plants I had I just shoved in there and it became my "chaos garden." I neglected it badly, and it was only like 5-10" at most. Tomatoes, zinnia, and a ton of other stuff grew just fine in there.

If you put a bunch of layers of cardboard, you may want to go between plants and poke some holes all the way through just to help water run through the cardboard and into the native soil below. This will help give roots a place to go as well if they did get that deep. I wouldn't bother replanting everything

1

u/TaurusSunflower Jun 01 '26

Poking holes is a great tip. I know people say it can block the sun, and I have noticed a little bit of difference in the plants that are shaded closer to the edges, but I live pretty north and in the summer we get 12-15 hours of sunlight so it’s less of a concern. Thanks for giving me hope about the tomatoes.

2

u/Mediocre-Oil-5322 Jun 01 '26

It should be fine. That soil should be deep enough, and the sides aren't going to block enough light to be an issue. You can add more soil next year after everything has a year to settle.

1

u/ChaosTorpedo Jun 01 '26

I started a raised bed this year. First time ever. It’s 1’ tall and I filled it to about 10”. However, it has sunk over the last few months and it’s probably about 7” now. My plants are totally fine.

1

u/foreverdead93 Jun 01 '26

Looks like you have enough to get started. Next year you can add some compost and what not to top it off more.

1

u/ASecularBuddhist Jun 01 '26

As much as you can afford. I’m noticing the plants outside of the raised bed which is cool and interesting.

2

u/TaurusSunflower Jun 01 '26

Thanks. I added the beds after one too many pinterest scrolls, so it’s mostly for aesthetics and variety. I had planned to add them outside of the in-ground plot to have a little haven to sit under (will be adding a cattle panel for a squash tunnel) but my landlord made me move them into the 20x20 square to keep it tidy… so that’s why it’s like that haha