Recommendations after soil test - Ask Extension
Hello! I just received my soil test results back. I have a raised bed that has been used each year and I'm assuming its over 10 years old. Do I need t...
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Recommendations after soil test #931079
Asked May 08, 2026, 3:52 PM EDT
Hello! I just received my soil test results back. I have a raised bed that has been used each year and I'm assuming its over 10 years old. Do I need to add soil and compost each year? With the results I was given, would adding compost be a bad idea with the ph levels. I will also look for a fertilizer that works with these results. I've been gardening in this bed for the past 4 years and tomatoes and zucchini are the only plants that seem to thrive.
Any tips you have would be great!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Sooner or later even the best raised bed soil needs to be renewed. When that happens, adding a few inches of fresh mix composed of 2/3 native soil or topsoil and 1/3 plant-based compost annually is recommended.
However, according to your soil test report, organic matter and phosphorus are high, and adding more of these now isn't advisable. In this case substitute peat moss or coconut coir for the compost.
PH 7.2 is acceptable. No adjustment is needed. However, testing the soil every two or three years is recommended to be sure you maintain the 6.2 to 7.2 pH which is ideal for most vegetables.
Follow the fertilizer recommendations noted in the soil test report.
https://www.uvm.edu/extension/news/soil-health-raised-beds
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/raised-bed-gardens
However, according to your soil test report, organic matter and phosphorus are high, and adding more of these now isn't advisable. In this case substitute peat moss or coconut coir for the compost.
PH 7.2 is acceptable. No adjustment is needed. However, testing the soil every two or three years is recommended to be sure you maintain the 6.2 to 7.2 pH which is ideal for most vegetables.
Follow the fertilizer recommendations noted in the soil test report.
https://www.uvm.edu/extension/news/soil-health-raised-beds
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/raised-bed-gardens
