The short answer
Buy from a landscape supply yard or nursery that sells by the cubic yard, and ask what is in the mix and for a soil test before you order. The University of Maryland Extension points out that topsoil sales are not regulated in Maryland and suggests asking a reputable dealer for soil test results.
What to ask before you order
- What is in it. Bulk “topsoil” is often landscaping fill, a mix of sand and compost, according to Washington State University Extension. For a raised bed you want a topsoil and compost blend in known proportions; see the recipes guide.
- Soil test results, as the University of Maryland Extension suggests, including lead if you will grow food; the lead guide explains the levels.
- The minimum order and the delivery charge, which can decide whether bulk beats bags for a small bed.
- The weight per cubic yard, if you plan to collect it yourself; the weight guide shows how quickly a load reaches a vehicle’s payload.
Checking a load
The University of Maryland Extension describes good topsoil as dark and crumbly with an earthy smell. It says not to buy soil that is very high in sand or clay, smells foul, or has grayish mottling or a chalky, sticky or rough texture. Look before the load is tipped if you can.
Ordering the right amount
Yards sell by the cubic yard. Work out your beds in the raised bed soil calculator, or any other area in the cubic yard calculator. To compare a delivered load with buying bags, enter both quotes in the bagged vs bulk soil calculator; one cubic yard is 18 bags of 1.5 cubic feet.
Raised bed soil calculator
Open the calculatorWhy there are no prices here
Bulk soil prices vary from yard to yard and with the delivery distance, so a national figure would mislead. The calculators work from the quotes you get, and your prices stay on your device.
References
- Growing Vegetables in Raised Beds, University of Maryland Extension
- Raised Beds: Will They Benefit Your Vegetable Garden? (FS075E), Washington State University Extension