Reviewed by Specialty Soils Updated August 21, 2026
Inspect the bed before adding material. Modest organic-matter replenishment may need compost; major lost volume may need complete soil.
Settling does not automatically mean failure
Organic materials decompose and particles consolidate over time.
Inspect first
- How much did the level drop?
- Does it still drain reasonably?
- Are plants performing well?
- Is the bed simply short on volume?
- Has heavy compost already been added?
Choose the intervention
Use an appropriate compost amendment for a functioning bed that needs modest replenishment. For substantial lost volume, add complete soil for at least part of the replacement rather than creating an increasingly compost-heavy root zone.
Plan the complete raised-bed project
Separate new fill, existing-bed improvement and quantity before choosing a product.
Sources & references
General horticultural guidance is supported by the following authoritative resources. Specialty Soils product statements and labeled company observations are first-party information.