The Best Soil Mix for Calgary Gardens: How to Build Healthy Beds in Calgary

Understanding Calgary’s Soil Challenges

Calgary gardens face a few specific challenges. Much of the native soil is heavy clay. Clay holds water but drains slowly and compacts easily. It also lacks organic matter. Cold winters and warm, dry summers put extra stress on plants. Improving soil structure helps your garden handle these extremes.

Start With a Balanced Mix

For raised beds, gardeners in Calgary’s climate often use a simple recipe: one-third topsoil, one-third compost and one-third peat moss or coconut fibre. This mix drains well, yet it holds moisture and nutrients. Topsoil gives body to the mix. Compost adds nutrients and beneficial microbes. Peat moss or coconut fibre improves water retention and keeps the soil light. Many garden suppliers sell similar “triple mix” blends.

If your bed is very deep, you don’t need to fill the entire space with expensive soil. Place a layer of logs or sticks, then cover it with leaves or straw before adding your soil blend. This approach improves drainage and saves soil.

Enrich With Compost

Compost is the single most important amendment for Calgary gardens. It improves water retention in dry, windy conditions and feeds earthworms and microbes. These organisms aerate the soil and leave behind castings that boost fertility. Aim to add a couple of inches of compost to your beds each year. Mixing compost from different sources brings a wider range of organisms.

Test and Amend

Don’t guess what your soil needs. A basic soil test measures pH, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Once you know what’s lacking, you can add specific amendments. For example, bone meal adds phosphorus and calcium; worm castings provide nitrogen. Testing every few years keeps nutrient levels balanced.

Mind the Structure

Clay soil compacts under foot and under the weight of winter snow. Turning the soil, adding organic matter and avoiding working it when it’s too wet will keep it loose. Avoid walking on garden beds; use boards or stepping stones if you need to access the bed. Mulching also helps regulate soil temperature and moisture and suppresses weeds.

Adjust for Containers and In-Ground Beds

• Raised beds: Use the 1/3 topsoil, 1/3 compost, 1/3 peat moss mix or triple mix soil.
• In-ground beds: If you’re planting directly in clay soil, add plenty of compost and well-rotted manure. Work in coarse sand or fine gravel to improve drainage, but avoid adding too much as it can make the soil hard.
• Containers: A soilless mix containing peat moss, composted bark and perlite works well. Mix in slow-release fertilizer since container mixes don’t have native nutrients.

Keep Improving

Great soil isn’t built in one season. Each year, add organic matter, avoid compaction, and monitor nutrient levels. Mulch your beds to conserve water and gradually build soil health. Over time, your Calgary garden will reward you with healthier plants and better yields.

Ready to Improve Your Garden Soil?  

Building healthy soil takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. At LandscapeSupplyGuys.com, we provide premium garden soil blends in bags delivered straight to your home in Calgary. Delivery is always free—no hidden charges, no extra fees. Order online today and start your next project with the right soil mix, brought to your doorstep without delay.