it really depends on your soil that you have, best way is to get a test kit and see what the pH. of the soil is and this will give an idea of what amendments need to be made if any.

also what sort of plants you want to grow, if you are going to buy soil take the test kit with you and test before you buy, try and remember its easier to bring soil up to the pH. you want than down.

may sound complicated but its not and a test will only take minute , best to do a few tests to get a guide.

alkaline soil is a pain to get down :( and keep down.

BZ

I'm not using the native soil. I am making my own soil mix it consists of...

Osmocote (pelleted fertilizer for container gardening; checked with the company and it can be used for raised beds as well)

topsoil (just normal topsoil) 12 gallons for 4' x 4', 24 gallons for 4' x 8'

compost 12 gallons for 4' x4', 24 for 4' x 8'
peat moss 12 gallons for 4' x 4', 24 gallons for 4' x 8'
a little pine mulch (3 gallons for 4' x 4', 6 for 4' x 8')
coarse vermiculite (9 gal. for 4' x 4', 18 for 4 ' x 8')

BZ already answered your? Also you asked the same question on the vegetable forum, and I gave you the same answer as BZ.

A raised bed isn't a container.

This post was edited by edweather on Fri, Jun 7, 13 at 20:31