Tag Page BudgetHacks

the “don’t buy soil” trick every home gardener should know

Garden centers charge ridiculous prices for bagged soil. A single raised bed can cost $80–120 just to fill. Here’s a trick I learned from an older veteran gardener: use logs and branches as the base layer. This method (hugelkultur-style) works great: Place old firewood, branches, or even untreated scrap lumber on the bottom of the bed. Add leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen compost on top. Finish with 4–6 inches of actual garden soil. Why this works: Wood slowly decomposes, releasing nutrients for YEARS. The bed stays moist longer — wood acts like a sponge. You need far less soil, cutting your cost by half. I filled two 4x8 beds for under $40 each using this method. Plants grew taller than any previous season. Plus, it’s the perfect use for those random branches your yard keeps producing. #Gardening #BudgetHacks