How to FILL Raised Garden Beds CHEAP and EASY

Today I want to share how to fill a raised bed garden and save money. I have used this method for years in my garden and the results have been incredible. You will see in detail how I fill my raised beds, the results I have had with this technique, and a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
This idea comes from an old gardening technique called hugelkultur, where you fill the bottom of your beds with logs, sticks, leaves, and any organic matter that you have. You will save money because you will only need to fill the top 12 to 18 inches with quality soil and the rest will be filler. On top of your logs and sticks layer you can add native soil, compost, or old potting mix like I did. So never throw your old potting mix away, reuse your potting mix to fill the bottom of your raised bed garden.
Thanks for the kind words and support 😁🐕❤️
NEW Official Website! TeamGrow.us
Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/thegardeningchannelwithjamesprigioni
MY FAVORITE GARDEN PRODUCTS 🧰 💯
→ Seed Starting Bundle: teamgrow.us/products/standard...
→ Metal Raised Garden Beds: teamgrow.us/collections/vego-...
→ Raised Bed Add Ons:teamgrow.us/collections/metal...
→Neem Oil: teamgrow.us/collections/plant...
→ Coco Coir: teamgrow.us/collections/plant...
→Mykos Pure Mycorrhizal Inoculant: teamgrow.us/collections/plant...
→Amazon affiliate link: amzn.to/2z7NIRQ
→ Sulfur Dust for Fungal Diseases: amzn.to/2VETaXP
→Garden Sifter: teamgrow.us/collections/metal...
→Coco Coir: teamgrow.us/collections/plant...
→Worm Castings: teamgrow.us/collections/ferti...
→Perlite: teamgrow.us/collections/plant...
→ UV Resistant Marker: amzn.to/3oUevXb
→ 40% Shade Cloth- amzn.to/3vrAYNF
→ Garden Straw Mini: bit.ly/gardenstraw
→ Vermiculite: amzn.to/311woeH
→Perlite: teamgrow.us/collections/plant...
→6 Mil Greenhouse plastic: amzn.to/39m1YCQ
→Row Cover: amzn.to/2GR12h5
→Insect Netting: amzn.to/2DbJ9I7
→BT Spray for Brassicas: amzn.to/3erdkss
→Pruners I use: amzn.to/2QsNCtT
→Tomato Clips: amzn.to/2YxoaGr
→Square Foot Gardening Book: amzn.to/3bUwCVo
→My Boots amzn.to/2NZq5Pe
ALSO FIND ME ON
→Facebook: / jamesprigionigardening
→Twitter: / jamesprigioni
→Instagram: / jamesprigioni
→Contact: (Business Only) [e-mail]

[@fatherofthunder]

My wife and I this did this in our 3’ x 8’ horse troughs and recently removed the soil. Most of the logs we added 7 years ago were completely composted. 👍

[@williedragon8060]

We inherited a house and large lot from my wife's mom. As we started to clean the backyard, we found we had 5+ cords of firewood long past usability, over 300' of old cedar fencing and tons of leaves and weeds. A cost estimate from a yard care co. scared us. Then one night watching videos, one came on about raised beds. Thanks to this channel, we used the fencing to build 22 - 4' x 8' x 22" high beds. After composting everything we could, we filled the beds with logs, twigs from trimmings leaves and topped off with just 6 yds of bought soil/compost mix. Excellent, no bending to tend and no tilling and have lots of quality veggies and fruit. Thanks James

[@knoxrunner]

Tuck is a tremendous creature ❤❤❤❤❤ He always does his due diligence!!

[@lindawoody8501]

Thank you for the great tip about how to cheaply fill the deep bed. I appreciate all you do. Giving a heart and a virtual pet for Tuck. ❤

[@debichats8634]

My little chihuahua is 14 now, and she’s blind, but she’s happy and fairly healthy and so very loving! Tuck is so adorable! Yorkies have always been my “dream dog”….but I wouldn’t part with my baby for anything at this point! I wish Tuck great health and a long, long life! I think he’s doing so well because he eats so many veggies! My baby loves them too and she gets them daily! I can’t wait to have them fresh off the vine for her again!!! I’d love to have that tall raised bed, but my budget won’t permit it. But I can keep dreaming! ❤❤❤

[@darriemendoza5197]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤tick n james...high elevator heroes!!❤❤❤

[@jmfarouche6688]

Raised beds can be built from free recycled materials, so poor or not affordable is B.S. anyone willing to put a bit of research and elbow grease can do this without excuse’s . Where there is a will- there is a way ! Im terminally ill and disabled on a shoestring budget and have scrounged enough used pallets and other materials for free and a few dollars for fasteners. Seeds were free from university agricultural department, the dirt and compost I went into the forest and found beautiful black soil under and around oak trees that have many decades of leaves composted naturally. Don’t rob it all from one spot, but gather a bit from a large area and you’ll get free quality soil and won’t harm the surrounding environment plus you get free earthworms in the process. Just sift out any roots that you may gather up to keep from having noxious weeds

[@mattgohlke8216]

Only need 12" high. These tall ones are just easier on the back.

[@waynerogers6530]

We always look forward to your information. We enjoy seeing Tuck working so hard with you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MrsBadger]

You and Tuck do a great job in the garden. He’s adorable ❤ Thank you for sharing your gardening knowledge, I’m learning so much.

[@marcobrownstone]

Thanks for all your advice. I especially enjoy your energy and enthusiasm.

[@jsfarmgirl]

Tuck is the best, I love seeing him. Thanks for the videos James. 😊❤❤❤

[@diavolorosa]

Love you and love Tuck! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us 😊

[@christophergetchell6490]

I've also used this method and can confirm the same results!!! Glad to see Tuck is nice and healthy! ♥♥♥

[@caroly5162]

❤❤ Tuck and James are the best.

[@408Dolly]

I was just given my first raised bed. I’m so excited to fill it.

[@GillianHannaOP]

Fantastic 🪴 - Raised beds are the go 💯 and I love 🧡 container pots + growing out directly some plants 🌱 into the garden too 🍈 🍇 🥒 🍆

[@user-zv4wx9em5w]

Hearts to you and "The Boss", James. I've never seen a more pleasant garden show so loaded with information such as yours! Thanks for everthing you set your hand to. You and Tuck are the very best! Thanks for all you do!👏👏
❤❤❤🥰🥰🥰🥕🥕🥕

[@juneoliver1968]

❤ Love and hearts for Tuck 🥰💝😍❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍💘💝💖💗💓💞💕💌💟♥️❣️🫀🙏 And thanks, James, for sharing all your knowledge. 💝🙏

[@moomoocho1196]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ for tuck and ❤️ James!

[@gracebeforemefarms8365]

Hey James and Tuck❤!! Thank you for all the gardening information. I’ve learned a ton from you and continue to learn. I purchased several items from your site I’m super excited to get started. This is so helpful information because I purchased the standard raise bed and wasn’t sure how I was going to fill it up. I’m also taking your tips from the co-coir. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, energy and passion of growing food. Just love Tuck to pieces ❤❤❤❤! Take Care!

[@patkrueger7353]

I did this with my raised beds. I put sticks in the bottom of my big flower containers also. Leaves and compost. Thank you for this video. Live to Tuck ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@angorachic]

The terracotta beds with the trellis in the middle are the beds I want to start with 🥰.
Of course ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ for Tuck!

[@user-zp7zm8ny5c]

Thanks for this video. I have 5- 32”metal raised beds like those to fill. May not do all this year but you are inspiring!!

[@resourcefulgirl]

I decided to get the two beds with the arch so I can use it as an entry into my garden. I'll be adding solar fairy lights to provide beauty 24/7. Thanks James and Tuck!!

[@noodles8834]

a year ago i started my very own garden cause of you, so far its going really good and its really easy to relate to you cause im also from jeresy thank you for making a bunch of videos to help alot of people garden and start their very own garden like me!

[@cowboyblacksmith]

I built your pallet beds and they've held up really really well and they look nice too. I love those and spent pretty much nothing to make them.

[@Coptergirljs]

Doing a good job Tuck!!!💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@lindah8053]

Love the hard working little Tuck! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@smas3256]

Great videos James. The info about not having to fill that raised bed to the top is great news for many. Thank you James and cute little Tuck ruler of his kingdom. 👑🐕❤❤❤❤

[@patriciatsunoda5771]

🥰🥰🥰 Boss Man Tuck!! I had planned on making your version of pallet beds this year but now that I see you are switching to Birdies and that they'll last longer and are maintenance free for years, I think I'll go that way. I'll get one this year to try it out and then plan for more later. I have a neighbor who's a tree service guy so I can get lots of logs to fill my bed. I'll be following you to see how the self watering bed goes and to see how square foot gardening in a Birdies is done. Thanks for all the information you provide and the inspiration and energy you bring to our gardening lives.🌻🍎🫐

[@sweetpeanmolly]

I love my Vego raised beds! Plus I got the covers, frost and summer! They work well protecting the plants!

[@joanspence5836]

We live in northern MN and I gotta say, kind of envious of your growing season, but you know, that's just another victory to earn. Love ya Tuck!

[@sarahmascara]

I garden in Northeastern MN! Such a precious and short season! Best of luck this year!

[@Theartisticbanana027]

I certainly will do, never thought of doing this, saves money and good rich soil. It feeds the soil over time, slow release fertiliser.
4 th year of watching your videos 🎉

[@uhf0]

Love the terra-cotta color!! So excited the see what you grow in them and on the trellis 😁 made my own bed this year with an old pallet and making an arch with some animal fencing. Hoping and saving to get one of the taller metal beds for my parents soon 🙏🏼

[@sharonbachman7574]

Thank you for pointing out the self watering item in the new raised bed!!

[@nancyparks195]

Tuck is too cute! Thank you for your enthusiastic gardening advice!

[@cocolenchojapan]

Thanks for the informative videos! I am an American living in the countryside of Japan. Working on some raised beds utilizing lumber taken out of the house after renovation.

[@deborahplyler6528]

Thanks for sharing about the metal raised beds .

[@kkl8631]

❤❤❤ to Tuck and James. Love the information!

[@teresamozingo6521]

Thank you for sharing so much needed information. ❤❤❤❤❤ for you and Tuck.

[@krisy-in-italy]

I filled my raised bed this way and so far so good. I have another one I need to construct but I’m chicken wrangling at the moment then back to the raised bed.
I just love your enthusiasm, it is contagious. Tuck is a cutie pie. My 2 chihuahuas are my shadows in the garden, but they won’t eat any veggies or fruit little buggers. 🫣

[@cindyspiess9963]

👋❤ James and Tuck !
This video is right on time !
Just going out to build my new 9 in 1 17" Vego raised bed ! 🎉

[@indraawai5183]

Awesome I wish him many more years of being the Boss and guardian of your beautiful garden. I am looking forward to seeing your new look. Producing plenty as usual. This is for Tuck❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@4Rascals321]

Luv the Tuck! ❤❤❤❤❤ Nice to see what filler to use.

[@lauracampos6183]

The King of the Garden.....sending hugs to Tuck!

[@paijlee1]

Tuck loves being with you because he feels loved by you❣The Force be with you both.

[@blindkimberly1360]

If Tuck is happy, we’re happy! All the loves Tuck!💗

[@yukey2587]

You always inspire me! I am making your soil mix this year.

[@eileenwalsh4113]

I love you and Tuck's videos! You make it easy and clear and fun and do-able🎉❤

[@patriciabeller64]

❤ Tuck! And your hard work and advice!

[@garfielda34]

❤❤❤❤ for Tuck and another informative video as we create our own little food forest! It always makes my day when I see a notification that you've posted a new one!

[@mmm-uw1ep]

Love your channel, your content and Tuck. Always so informative. Thanks James.

[@brokenmeats5928]

I love ALL The Gardening Channel With James Prigioni videos!

[@LifeHomeandGardenwithAnaRica]

You and Tuck are so amazing!

[@lisakruger5289]

❤❤❤❤❤ Tuck is the king of the garden!!

[@DocuGarden]

Love you guys!

[@davidsauls9542]

We Love you and Tuck !!!! I am cuddled up with a 19.5 year old cat that peed on me today.
Caring for them in their last years is an opportunity to show them just how deep and pure our love is and has been. I believe that makes God chuckle and yell "yes, that was my point !"

[@HomesteadingGeek]

I live in central Arkansas,our property is very rocky with clay and has a slight slope to it so we went with raised beds also. We went with the 17" raised beds but I plan on adding some 32" beds also. Before we got them I did some research and found a similar method to what you've done also James. We removed the grass from the area,laid cardboard over the bottom of the bed,we then placed logs on the bottom with twigs and branches over that,we then placed a layer of leaves from the property that have been falling on the property for years on the property we purchased. After the leaves were placed we finished off the bed with super soil we had delivered from the local nursery we go to and it is awesome stuff. The beds drain well,yet retain just the right amount of water for the soil and our veggies have been phenomenal. This year I am building a composting system so as the soil level goes down we can top off with compost. I am also trying out an olla watering system I discovered watching Self Sufficient Me and seeing how that works for us as we are in an area that sometimes as the rain is coming in the storm cell will spit and go around us so sometimes we get less rain than the surrounding areas. If the olla system works well for us we will be converting all our raised beds to this system. Lots love for the Tuckster hes an awesome dog❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤,I have my own little helper Schautzie and she loves being in the garden with daddy and eating the occasional veggie she gets. Keep up the awesome content.

[@JamesBond-qd5rc]

Great presentation and wonderful sidekick, Tuck! I love gardening, and I love dogs!

[@marygoodsell3602]

Hi James, just wanted to say we love Tuck ❤❤❤ and I ordered a couple things from your site and am very happy with the quality! I learn a lot from you!

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo! Glad to hear that Mary. Thanks for the kind words and the support, it means a lot to me and the little boss 😁🐕❤️

[@EVA-LWY]

I ordered a self-water bed a few days ago and I can’t wait to get my hands dirty 😊❤❤❤for Tuck.

[@FloridaGirl-]

I have all my raised beds like this. I line the bottom with mesh cloth though. Detours moles, rats, and if you have gophers, would be a good idea. After setting the logs in I go trim my bushes and chop and drop them in there. Being it’s SO HOT down here in summer. That’s when I work on reamending the dirt. I have again chopped up shrubbery with the hedger. And then top it with chicken manure. And then the hot compost I’ve made. Because the soil does drop yearly. This method is great for SW Florida.

[@toniatalley1977]

❤❤❤ Tuck is the hardest working little guys!!! Great job Tuck!!!

[@JennieJones-sz1tj]

Great info - Thank you - Tuck is adorable!

[@vickisavage8929]

We are putting rocks in the bottom of the bed with a layer of gravel on top of it to keep critters from digging up. We have plenty of old dead trees and will follow your advice for filling the bed. ❤️❤️❤️to Tuck.

[@jamierhoades5767]

❤❤❤❤❤ Just discovered this channel! Can't wait to binge some more!

[@user-qr1yv5ip3b]

I would say, as an older person, physical necessity, the knees and ability to control the water is why I’m going raised containers. There is only two of us so it isn’t like I need a huge garden space. This looks perfect.

[@jedpusczykowski4955]

He has been eating healthy snacks his whole life! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@loriekerekgyarto3339]

💕💕💕💕💕💕love Tuck and your videos, James. I got one of your metal raised beds with your fertilizer. I can’t wait to get it read for growing.

[@wunone67]

Great vid J! Leaves are great for filling raised beds too.

[@Serendipity_Strawberry_Farm]

Hi James we did this in our first large enclosed growing beds and the crops have been amazing. This past summer we did it again with our other new beds and have found that we have some poisonous mushrooms growing through the soil now, we aren’t sure if they are coming from the logs and sticks or whether the spores have come in with the soil we purchased to fill the beds. Preparing now to start to head into our autumn and winter here in Australia I have started going around our farm and push mowing with my catcher on to break down dried eucalyptus and gum leaves to mix into the beds and to cover them, my hope is to add this additional dry matter so that it will compost down into the beds and help us from losing a lot of our soil over the winter months. It’s been a very wet and humid summer for us here which has meant so much bug attack from moths and caterpillars and some strange Little Rock hard shelled black beetle which we have never had before so we have had to put up fencing around each bed and enclose them with fruit tree mesh to stop the moths getting in and destroying the last of our summer crops. As always thankyou for your wonderful videos which are helpful and a joy to watch. Cheers Theresa - South Coast Australia

[@lilysjourney9730]

❤ so happy to see Tuck

[@kyleb835]

❤❤❤❤'s For Tuck! Sending love to James also. It's almost Spring LETSS GOOO!!

[@BrendaTanner-gv1dv]

Love your channel. Always learn a lot from you and your awesome partner Tuck. ❤

[@jandersen8792]

Here's to Tuck. ❤❤❤ I hope your business is doing well James. Your products look great!

[@SuperKabookie]

Love Tuck he is a beautiful lil guy!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dbeaumontresident847]

Excellent video James!

[@John_outside]

Thanks for the tip love tuck ❤

[@bels2521]

❤love Tuck. Awesome video. Thx for explaining so well. My dog, Lilly, is 14 yrs old too.

[@lynnvokes9308]

Great tips. Love Tuck!

[@TheowlFreedompharms]

Great knowledge! Yes that exactly how it’s done! 💯

[@richardroyles1423]

Thanks for the tips. God bless.

[@lindawalton8272]

Love your channel and all the helpful information you give.
Of course that sweet dog makes it even more special. Love him ❤❤. Reminds me of my dog.
Thanks again . Keep up the good work Tuck ❤

[@minivandreamin1789]

We cut up our old live Christmas tree and used it to fill the raised bed I used for strawberries. They seemed to really like it.

[@elainelear4982]

I have used this method for my beds.

[@poma9878]

Great video. Thank you for making the video

[@ceceliariddick4202]

This is so helpful thanks for sharing

[@Kristen-603]

Tuck is adorable!

[@lorismills8869]

Great information! Thank you! Definitely sending love to Tuck 🙂

[@tiffanyfrehleyyeshuaismy0153]

…The bottom logs act as water batteries. I love that. 😁 Tuck looks great at 14 because he is a good weight and the organic vegetables are so nutritional for him. Hearts for James and Tuck. 🥰💙🐶💙🐾

[@Kunio08]

Dude, I was just wondering if large logs could be used as filler and a sort of nutrient battery for plants as they break down, and here you are making a video about it. Thanks!👍

[@dougellis7917]

I ❤❤❤ Tuck. Your garden is good too.

[@eclecticzebra35]

❤❤❤❤❤ lil' Tuck! The rest of youtube can go poof-Your channel is all I need! Best information and motivation! Thank you for what you do! 🤩

[@SheenaShines]

Tuck forever - absolute cutest dog ever💯♥️♥️♥️

[@MissaFraQ]

Nice!!! Go James go!

[@chantaltulliez8066]

Lots of Love to you and Tuck 💞💞 from subtropical Australia...

[@scubatrucker6806]

Great advice ❤❤

[@ciarabudd2131]

Bought my raised bed from you guys and just filled it earlier today using a similar method! Looking forward to start growing in it

[@TheGeopoliticsMan]

If you plan on getting a raised bed next time, you can make one out of cinder blocks/stone its cheaper and even more durable, the metal beds can be expensive.

[@ciarabudd2131]

@@TheGeopoliticsMan I actually have ones like that as well! I just wanted to try out the cover that came with these and see how they overall compare to the ones I have

[@dianefeola9470]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ such a nice little guy. 🥰

[@petanisukses_garden]

Making very useful organic fertilizer

[@Homesowing]

I have been eating my homegrown salad all week , its so delicious 🙏🤩🍓🍅🫶🏻hi tucker heres your hearts❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mattbendzinski4945]

Hello to you and Tuck. Many great ideas.