6 Best Soil Amendments For Raised Beds of 2024

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-03-28

Do you want to take your raised bed gardening to the next level? Then, it’s time to invest in the best soil amendments! Here are our top picks for the best soil amendments for raised beds with guaranteed results.

So get ready to dig deep into the world of soil enhancements and learn how they can turn your garden dreams into reality!

Here are the best soil amendments for raised beds you can buy in 2024:

  • Easy To Spread: The Andersons 12
  • Easy To Spread: Brut Worm Castings–30 Lbs–Organic Fertilizer and Soil Builder - Best For Raised Flower Beds
  • Best For Carrots: Worm Castings Organic Fertilizer
  • Best For Strong Root System: Harris CHAR-2
  • Best For Compacted Soil: Wakefield BioChar wfbcsc40
  • Best For Stronger Root Systems: Live Earth Products Organic Soil Conditioner Granules
6 Best Soil Amendments For Raised Beds
Easy To Spread
The Andersons 12
    Easy To Spread
    Brut Worm Castings–30 Lbs–Organic Fertilizer and Soil Builder - Best For Raised Flower Beds
      Best For Carrots
      Worm Castings Organic Fertilizer
        Best For Strong Root System
        Harris CHAR-2
          Best For Compacted Soil
          Wakefield BioChar wfbcsc40
            Best For Stronger Root Systems
            Live Earth Products Organic Soil Conditioner Granules

              Easy To Spread: The Andersons 12

              The Andersons 12
              The Andersons 12
              Pros
              • Easy to spread - Dispersible Granule (DG) Technology
              • Help regulate pH values - humic acid
              • Economical – coverage of up to 40,000 sq. ft.
              Cons
              • No complaint

              The Andersons 12 is one of the best soil amendments for raised beds due to its unique combination of humic acid and biochar.

              These two ingredients work together to provide effective carbon inputs, which can improve the soil’s ability to hold onto nutrients and stimulate growth.

              Besides, humic acid helps to regulate pH values, ensuring that the soil will be more efficient in taking up the necessary nutrients and water.

              On top of that, this product is easy to spread thanks to its Dispersible Granule (DG) Technology, which allows particles to disperse when watered.

              The price is right. Each 40-liter bag of this product covers up to 40,000 sq. ft.

              The Andersons 12 Specifications

              Volume

              40 Liters

              Ingredients

              carbon and humic acid

              Highlight Features

              Dispersible Granule (DG) Technology

              humic acid

              coverage of up to 40,000 sq. ft.

              Verdict

              We love The Andersons 12 because it’s nutrient-rich, easy to spread, and economical.

              Easy To Spread: Brut Worm Castings–30 Lbs–Organic Fertilizer and Soil Builder - Best For Raised Flower Beds

              Brut Worm Castings–30 Lbs–Organic Fertilizer and Soil Builder - Best For Raised Flower Beds
              Brut Worm Castings–30 Lbs–Organic Fertilizer and Soil Builder - Best For Raised Flower Beds
              Pros
              • Ideal for raised flower beds - Worm castings with beneficial microbes
              • Able to be used indoors and outdoors – odor-free
              Cons
              • There are large hard clumps in the product that need to be crushed before use

              The Brut Worm Castings 30-Pound combines beneficial microorganisms, bacteria, and nutrients into one product.

              Worm castings are a great ingredient.

              They help improve the quality of the soil, resulting in better drainage, aeration, and water retention. Their nutrient-rich properties also make it easier for flowers to take up the necessary nutrients and moisture, allowing them to grow bigger, healthier, and more vibrant than ever.

              Besides, thanks to the organic ingredients and natural properties, this soil amendment helps to protect the environment by reducing chemical runoff and pollutants.

              Brut Worm Castings–30 Lbs–Organic Fertilizer and Soil Builder - Best For Raised Flower Beds Specifications

              Volume

              30.0 Pounds

              Ingredients

              worm castings & peat

              Highlight Features

              Worm castings with beneficial microbes

              odor-free

              Verdict

              If you need a soil amendment product for raised flower beds, you’ll love the Brut Worm Castings – 30 Lbs – Organic Fertilizer and Soil Builder

              Best For Carrots: Worm Castings Organic Fertilizer

              Worm Castings Organic Fertilizer
              Worm Castings Organic Fertilizer
              Pros
              • Provide enough nutrients for carrots for 2 months - pure worm castings
              • Help plants quickly and easily absorb nutrients - small particles
              Cons
              • No complaint

              You won't find any other soil amendment that's as good for carrots as the Worm Castings Organic Fertilizer.

              It has the highest nutrient content, all thanks to the humus in worm castings contained in this product.

              A tablespoon of pure worm castings is enough organic nutrients to feed a small raised bed of carrots for more than two months.

              It provides vital plant nutrients, and also feeds beneficial soil microorganisms that produce, store, and slowly release these nutrients into the soil to feed carrots.

              In addition, small particles in worm castings can be quickly and easily absorbed by the plants, allowing them to get the essential nutrients and trace elements they need for vigorous growth.

              Worm Castings Organic Fertilizer Specifications

              Volume

              30 Pounds

              Ingredients

              Wiggle Worms

              Highlight Features

              pure worm castings

              small particles

              Verdict

              The Worm Castings Organic Fertilizer is the most effective soil amendment for carrots that we tested.

              Best For Strong Root System: Harris CHAR-2

              Harris CHAR-2
              Harris CHAR-2
              Pros
              • Help stimulate strong root systems - premium biochar
              • Easy to store – zippered bag
              • Safe for use – made from plant materials
              Cons
              • A bit messy during use
              • Pricey

              The Harris CHAR-2's main ingredient is biochar.

              For the uninitiated, this is a great addition to any soil mix as it helps increase soil carbon content, nutrient content, water retention, water-soluble nutrients, and beneficial microbial life.

              And that's part of the reason why this soil amendment is perfect for stimulating strong root systems in raised bed plants.

              Biochar is also known to help keep oxygen levels within the soil high as well as rid the soil of impurities, repel insects, and prevent the growth of mold and odors. This can help to ensure that the roots of the plants remain healthy and have access to the necessary nutrition and water they need to support a strong and healthy root system.

              The premium biochar in this soil amendment is made at higher temperatures than regular charcoal, meaning that fewer volatiles will be left behind, leading to better plant growth.

              Harris CHAR-2 Specifications

              Volume

              2 qt.

              Ingredients

              Charcoal

              Highlight Features

              premium biochar

              made from plant materials

              zippered bag

              Verdict

              Looking for the best soil amendment for strong root systems? Consider the Harris CHAR-2

              Best For Compacted Soil: Wakefield BioChar wfbcsc40

              Wakefield BioChar wfbcsc40
              Wakefield BioChar wfbcsc40
              Pros
              • Able to break down compacted soil – Biochar & Activated charcoal
              • Enhance the soil drainage and soil pH level
              • Budget-friendly
              Cons
              • It contains lots of fine dirt

              The Wakefield BioChar wfbcsc40 can help to create healthier soil for your raised beds.

              Its main ingredients are biochar and activated charcoal.

              Biochar is known to increase the soil pH level, and also mitigate the heavy metal toxicity in the soil. This results in increased plant growth and better overall soil health.

              Activated charcoal, on the other hand, is proven to absorb excess water, preventing root rot and other moisture-related problems, while also repelling insects and reducing odors.

              The high porosity of the product also helps to break up compacted soil, allowing for better drainage and more efficient aeration.

              Wakefield BioChar wfbcsc40 Specifications

              Volume

              25 pounds

              Ingredients

              Activated Charcoal & Horticultural Charcoal

              Highlight Features

              Biochar

              Activated charcoal

              Verdict

              The Wakefield BioChar wfbcsc40 is a dream come true for budget-conscious shoppers looking for a good amendment for compacted soil.

              Best For Stronger Root Systems: Live Earth Products Organic Soil Conditioner Granules

              Live Earth Products Organic Soil Conditioner Granules
              Live Earth Products Organic Soil Conditioner Granules
              Pros
              • Help plants develop stronger root systems - rich in humic acid and fulvic acid
              • Safe for organic raised beds - OMRI listed soil mix
              Cons
              • The bag is not sealable

              Our last pick is the Live Earth Products Organic Soil Conditioner Granules.

              This soil amendment product is rich in humic acid and fulvic acid, which helps increase water and nutrient uptake and restore soil balance.

              These organic materials provide essential nutrients for healthy root growth and help to maintain the necessary balance of minerals in the soil. All of these factors combined can lead to stronger root systems in plants.

              In addition, this product is OMRI-listed, meaning that it’s safe for organic raised beds.

              Live Earth Products Organic Soil Conditioner Granules Specifications

              Volume

              50 Pounds

              Ingredients

              Humic Acid & Fulvic Acid

              Highlight Features

              rich in humic acid and fulvic acid

              OMRI listed soil mix

              Verdict

              If you’re searching for a soil amendment product that can encourage stronger root systems of plants in raised beds, the Live Earth Products Organic Soil Conditioner is a great choice.

              How To Choose The Best Soil Amendments For Raised Beds?

              Assess the conditions of the soil & Determine what areas need improvement.

              Different amendments add different benefits, such as improving soil structure, drainage, and fertility.

              For example, if the soil is too dense and clay-based, adding organic matter like compost and manure will help create lighter and more workable soil.

              Nutrient content of the amendment

              The primary nutrients that plants need are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These are often referred to as NPK.

              Different amendments have different levels of NPK, so be sure to read the label carefully.

              Other secondary and micronutrients may also be present, depending on the amendment.

              Application rate

              Different amendments have different application rates, based on their nutrient content and the size of the area being amended.

              For example, if the area is 350 square feet, and the application rate is 2 pounds per 100 square feet, then you would need 7.0 pounds of the amendment.

              Cost

              Many amendments can be purchased from garden centers, nurseries, or home improvement stores.

              It’s important to compare the cost of different amendments to get the most bang for your buck.

              Which Brands Make The Best Soil Amendments For Raised Beds?

              The Andersons

              The Andersons is a reliable brand for soil amendments. Their products can improve soil health, lawn health, and plant health while reducing the use of fertilizers. And the brand provides a wide range of options to meet different soil amendment needs.

              Brut Worm Farms

              Brut Worm Farms is a famous brand for organic worm castings and super soil products that are non-toxic, odor-free, and easy to apply. They all are ideal for use in houseplants, garden veggies, flowers, lawns, trees, and more--without harming the environment. The reason is that worms recycle organic waste into liquid and solid fertilizers, so no chemicals are contained in these products.

              Wakefield BioChar

              Wakefield BioChar is renowned for its soil amendment products with the main ingredient being biochar.

              Biochar is a form of activated charcoal that has been tested and proven to improve soil structure, stability, porosity, water-holding capacity, nutrient cycling, tensile strength, and infiltration resistance.

              Furthermore, all the products from Wakefield BioChar are OMRI Listed which ensures your plantings have the best chance for success.

              Live Earth Products

              Live Earth Products uses natural and organic materials that are mined from ancient plant deposits.

              Their humate soil conditioner helps reduce fertilizer loss and improve compacted soils, as well as those with high salts and marginal pH.

              They are world-renowned for their superior quality and are used by both organic and conventional buyers.

              FAQs

              Is soil amendment a fertilizer?

              While soil amendments may contain plant nutrients and act as fertilizer, they are not classified as fertilizers.

              When should I amend my soil?

              The best time to amend your soil is in the fall or spring.

              In the fall, amending your soil gives time for soil microbial life to break down organic matter and make minerals available to the plants.

              The spring is a great time to amend your soil because it allows you to prepare for the growing season and helps to improve drainage and nutrient levels in the soil.

              Can soil amendments make plants grow faster?

              Yes, soil amendments can make plants grow faster.

              Soil amendments can improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil, as well as supply additional organic and inorganic nutrients to the soil. This can lead to faster plant growth.

              Can you amend the soil after planting?

              No, you should not amend the soil after planting a tree because this can disrupt the root system of the tree and damage its environment.

              How do soil amendments work?

              Soil amendments work by changing the physical and chemical properties of the soil.

              They balance pH, add organic matter, increase water holding capacity, re-establish microbial communities, and alleviate compaction.

              They can also be used to enhance native or disturbed soils, as well as to remediate, revegetate, and revitalize sites.

              How deep should you amend the soil?

              The best depth to amend the soil is 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) deep to ensure adequate root growth and nutrient availability.

              Conclusion

              Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, choosing the right soil amendments is critical for healthy plant growth and high yields.

              Hopefully, this comprehensive guide helped you find out the best soil amendments for raised beds more easily.

              Thanks for reading!

              I’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!


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