Calculate the amount of soil needed for your garden, raised beds, or landscaping projects
Calculating the right amount of soil is essential for successful gardening and landscaping projects. Whether you're filling raised beds, creating new garden areas, or amending existing soil, accurate measurements prevent waste and ensure you have enough material. Soil is typically sold by cubic yard for bulk delivery or in bags ranging from 40 to 50 pounds. Understanding volume calculations helps you determine the most cost-effective purchasing option and ensures proper soil depth for healthy plant growth.
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Soil Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Garden | 12-18 inches | Rich topsoil mix | Deep roots need more depth |
| Flower Beds | 8-12 inches | Garden soil blend | Adequate for most perennials |
| Raised Beds | 12-24 inches | Raised bed mix | Deeper is better for drainage |
| Lawn Topdressing | 0.25-0.5 inches | Screened topsoil | Thin layer for leveling |
| Container Gardens | 6-12 inches | Potting mix | Depends on container size |
| Tree Planting | 18-36 inches | Native soil mix | Match root ball depth |
Soil naturally settles and compacts over time, especially after watering. New garden beds can lose 10-20% of their volume in the first season. Always order 10-15% more soil than calculated to account for settling. Loose, fluffy soil from bags will compact significantly more than bulk soil that's already been processed and handled.
If you're amending existing soil rather than filling an empty space, you'll need less new soil. For soil amendment, calculate 25-50% of the total volume depending on how much you're improving the existing soil. Heavy clay soils benefit from more amendment, while sandy soils need less volume but more organic matter.
Bulk soil delivery is more economical for projects requiring more than 1 cubic yard. A 40-pound bag covers approximately 0.5 cubic feet, while a 50-pound bag covers about 0.75 cubic feet. For large projects, bulk delivery can cost 50-70% less than bagged soil, though it requires space for delivery and immediate use or storage.
Different plants require different soil compositions. Raised beds benefit from a mix of topsoil, compost, and drainage materials like perlite or vermiculite. Container gardens need lighter potting mix rather than heavy garden soil. Consider your specific planting needs when calculating soil requirements and choosing soil types.
Order soil when you're ready to use it immediately. Stored soil can dry out, become compacted, or develop weed seeds. Spring and fall are peak seasons for soil delivery, so order early to ensure availability. Have your garden beds or containers prepared before delivery to minimize handling and labor.
Not all soil is created equal. Ask suppliers about soil composition, screening process, and whether it's been tested for contaminants. Quality topsoil should be dark, crumbly, and free of large rocks, sticks, or debris. For vegetable gardens, ensure the soil is certified organic if that's important to you. Request a small sample before ordering large quantities.
Ensure delivery trucks can access your property and that you have a designated dumping area. Bulk soil is typically dumped in one location, requiring wheelbarrow transport to your garden. Consider delivery placement carefully to minimize labor. Some suppliers offer spreading services for an additional fee, which can be worthwhile for large projects.
Compare prices between bulk delivery and bagged soil for your project size. Factor in delivery fees, which typically range from $50-150 depending on distance. Some suppliers offer discounts for larger orders or off-season purchases. Consider splitting a bulk delivery with neighbors to reduce per-yard costs and delivery fees.
Building a rectangular raised bed garden measuring 8 feet long by 4 feet wide with 18 inches (1.5 feet) of depth.
For this project, bulk delivery is significantly more economical than bagged soil. Order 2 cubic yards to account for settling (about 12% extra). Total cost including delivery would be approximately $120-150, compared to $300-400 for bagged soil.