First decide whether you are improving the soil you already have or filling a bed from scratch. The right answer swings by several cubic yards.
How it works
If tilling, area × compost depth gives the volume. If filling, area × full depth gives it. Both add 5%, and round up to the quarter yard.
Before you order
- Most existing soil only needs 1 to 3 inches of compost tilled in.
- A soil test tells you whether you need anything beyond compost.
- Fresh garden soil sinks after the first watering, so hold a little back.
Common questions
How deep should garden soil be?
About 8 inches of workable soil suits most vegetables and more suits deep roots.
Is compost the same as garden soil?
No. Compost is an amendment. Garden soil is a blended growing medium that usually contains some compost.