Raised Bed Soil Calculator Verification Checklist PDF

Full QC Checklist+

Verify bed measurement and recipe selection, material sourcing, filling/mixing, and planting/follow-up.

✓20 Inspection Points

✓4 Verification Categories

✓Bed Measurement & Recipe Selection+

Bed length, width, and fill depth confirmed from an actual measurement of the built (or planned) frame, not assumed from a preset alone
Chosen fill depth matches what's actually being grown — shallow-rooted crops need less, deep-rooted vegetables (tomatoes, carrots) benefit from a deeper fill
Recipe selected matches the actual goal — Mel's Mix for a soilless intensive SFG bed, a topsoil-based blend for a more traditional, lower-cost fill
If using Custom Ratio, entered percentages confirmed to sum to exactly 100% before ordering material — not left unresolved past a validation error
Compost source/blend considered, not treated as an interchangeable generic bag — a blend of several compost types is often recommended over a single source
Peat moss vs. coco coir choice made deliberately for Mel's Mix, not defaulted without considering sustainability or local availability

✓Material Sourcing+

Topsoil (if used) confirmed free of contamination — no construction debris, invasive weed seed, visible trash, or reported herbicide carryover
Vermiculite or perlite grade confirmed suitable for horticultural use, not a construction-grade product
A small buffer beyond the calculated order volume considered, since bagged materials rarely divide into the exact calculated total
Bag labels checked against the volumes assumed in this calculator's bag size selection before ordering, especially for compost (often sold by weight, not volume)
Organic certification or input restrictions considered if the bed is intended for certified-organic or food-safety-sensitive growing

✓Filling / Mixing+

Components thoroughly blended together before or during filling, not layered and left unmixed inside the bed
Filled depth spot-checked at multiple points across the bed, not assumed uniform from the total order quantity alone
A weed barrier or cardboard base layer considered (if placing the bed over existing grass/weeds), and accounted for separately from this calculator's fill volume
Bed drainage confirmed adequate before filling — open bottom (most common) or drainage holes if the bed has a solid base
Settling allowance in the order volume understood as an estimate, and the bed topped up after initial watering-in if it settles noticeably below the frame's top edge

✓Planting & Follow-Up+

A soil test (pH, nutrient screening) considered before planting, especially for a topsoil-based blend or if this is a food-growing bed
Planting spacing/plan matches the recipe and bed type chosen — Mel's Mix beds are commonly planted at Square Foot Gardening's intensive spacing, not conventional row spacing
A plan for annual/seasonal compost top-up considered, since a raised bed mix settles and its organic content depletes over multiple growing seasons
Bed frame material confirmed safe for food contact if growing edibles — avoiding older CCA-treated lumber or similar treated wood against soil

Inspection Notes+

Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.

Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.

Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Inspection Notes

Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.

Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.

Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Use it after collecting the project inputs and again before approving or closing the relevant work stage.

No. It supports verification but does not replace approved drawings, specifications, codes, manufacturer requirements, or professional inspection.