URBAN PLANTER BOXES

For urban gardeners facing multiple large planter boxes, filling them with quality soil doesn't have to break the bank. The most cost-effective strategy is a multi-pronged approach. First, calculate your total volume; buying in bulk is almost always cheaper than bags. Contact local landscaping supply companies for deliveries of topsoil or garden mix. Secondly, investigate municipal resources. Many cities offer free or heavily subsidized compost and mulch, a fantastic way to get high-quality organic material. You can mix this 50/50 with purchased topsoil. Third, employ the "lasagna" layering method. Fill the bottom third of your deep planters with clean, yard-waste wood chips or leaves. This improves drainage and reduces the soil volume needed. Finally, connect with local community gardens or farming groups; they often have surplus soil or compost. By combining bulk purchasing with free municipal compost and smart layering, you can create a rich, productive growing medium for a fraction of the cost.