The 3 Best Bulk Soils for Santa Cruz County Vegetable Gardens (And Where to Get Them)
If you're building raised beds or improving your garden soil, you've probably done the math on bagged soil and felt your wallet weep. A single 2-cubic-foot bag of quality garden soil costs $8 to $15. A standard 4x8-foot raised bed needs about 32 cubic feet of soil. That's $128 to $240 in bags, plus all those plastic bags to deal with.
Buying bulk soil changes the equation entirely. A cubic yard of quality bulk soil (27 cubic feet) typically costs $80-$120, which is a fraction of bagged prices. Plus, no plastic waste, and you're supporting local suppliers.
But not all bulk soil is equal. Some "garden soil" is basically fill dirt with minimal organic matter. Others are rich, living mixes that give your vegetables exactly what they need.
After testing various options and talking to local gardeners, here are the three best bulk soil products available in Santa Cruz County for vegetable gardens.
1. Aptos Landscape Supply: Veggie Mix — Best for Raised Beds
What it is: A custom blend specifically designed for vegetable gardening, combining aged compost, organic matter, and mineral components for excellent drainage and fertility.
Where to get it: Aptos Landscape Supply, 5035 Freedom Boulevard, Aptos (aptoslandscapesupply.com)
Why it's great:
This is my top recommendation for filling new raised beds. The Veggie Mix is specifically formulated for food production, not just general landscaping. It has:
Excellent drainage (critical for raised beds)
High organic matter content
Balanced nutrients for vegetable production
Good water retention without being soggy
Ready to plant immediately
Best uses:
Filling new raised beds
Creating in-ground vegetable beds
Container gardening (for large containers)
Ordering tips:
Aptos Landscape Supply offers delivery throughout Santa Cruz County, which is essential for bulk purchases. They can also load into trucks or trailers if you prefer pickup. Call ahead to confirm pricing and schedule delivery.
How much do you need?
For a 4x8-foot raised bed that's 12 inches deep: 1.2 cubic yards For a 4x8-foot raised bed that's 18 inches deep: 1.8 cubic yards
I recommend ordering slightly more than calculated, as soil settles after filling.
2. Central Home Supply: OMRI-Certified Organic Compost — Best for Amending Existing Soil
What it is: OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) certified compost suitable for organic food production. This is pure compost, not a soil blend.
Where to get it: Central Home Supply, 180 El Pueblo Rd, Scotts Valley (centralhomesupply.com)
Why it's great:
If you have existing garden soil that needs improvement, OMRI-certified compost is your best friend. The OMRI certification matters because it means:
No synthetic chemicals or prohibited substances
Safe for organic food production
Consistent quality standards
Won't introduce unwanted chemicals to your garden
This compost is black, rich, and teeming with beneficial microorganisms. It transforms heavy clay soil into workable garden soil and adds life to sandy soil.
Best uses:
Amending existing in-ground garden beds (mix in 2 to 4 inches)
Top-dressing established raised beds annually
Making compost tea
Mulching around vegetables (use thin layer)
Ordering tips:
Central Home Supply is conveniently located in Scotts Valley, perfect for those in the SV/SLV area. They offer delivery, and their yard is easy to navigate. Call ahead for current pricing.
How much do you need?
For amending existing beds, plan on 2 to 4 inches of compost tilled into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil.
For a 100-square-foot garden amended with 3 inches of compost: 1 cubic yard For top-dressing existing raised beds with 1 inch: about 0.3 cubic yards per 100 square feet
3. Evergreen Supply (Watsonville): Viridis Blend — Best Premium Option
What it is: A premium planting mix that combines aged forest products, quality compost, and other organic materials for superior plant performance.
Where to get it: Evergreen Supply, 1875 Lee Road, Watsonville
Approximate price: $112 per cubic yard (prices change; call to confirm)
Why it's great:
Viridis Blend is the premium option, and some gardeners swear it's worth the extra cost. This blend is:
Specifically designed for the Monterey Bay area climate
Rich in beneficial fungi and microorganisms
Excellent for long-term soil health
Popular with professional growers
The higher price reflects the quality of inputs and the care taken in producing a living, biologically active soil blend.
Best uses:
Raised beds where you want the absolute best start
Intensive vegetable production
Situations where soil quality really matters (like a small garden where every square foot counts)
Ordering tips:
Evergreen Supply is in Watsonville, so delivery fees may be higher for Santa Cruz residents. For large orders, the delivery fee becomes proportionally smaller. Call to discuss your project and get current pricing.
Comparing the Three Options
Choose Aptos Veggie Mix if: You're filling new raised beds and want a ready-to-plant, vegetable-specific blend.
Choose Central OMRI Compost if: You have existing soil that needs improvement, or you want to top-dress established beds organically.
Choose Viridis Blend if: You want the premium option and are willing to pay for superior biological activity and long-term soil health.
What About Other Options?
What I'd Avoid
Generic "fill dirt" or "garden soil": Often just screened dirt with minimal organic matter. Fine for filling holes, terrible for growing vegetables.
Bulk soil from unknown sources: You don't know what's in it. Could contain weed seeds, contaminants, or poor-quality materials.
Bagged "raised bed mix" in bulk quantities: The math rarely works out. Bulk is almost always more economical.
How to Order Bulk Soil
Ordering bulk soil is straightforward, but here are some tips for first-timers:
Calculate your needs accurately:
Length (feet) × Width (feet) × Depth (feet) ÷ 27 = Cubic yards needed
Add 10% extra for settling.
Plan for delivery access:
Can a dump truck access your property?
Where will the soil be dumped?
Is the ground firm enough for a heavy truck?
Will you need to be home for delivery?
Prepare for moving the soil:
A cubic yard weighs 500-1000 pounds (depending on the soil makeup). You'll need a wheelbarrow and shovel, or consider hiring help for large projects. Some suppliers offer placement with a loader for an extra fee.
Ask questions when ordering:
What's the current price?
What's the delivery fee to my address?
How long until delivery?
Can they dump in a specific location?
What happens if I'm not home?
Frequently Asked Questions About Bulk Soil
How much bulk soil do I need for a raised bed?
For a 4×8-foot bed at 12 inches deep: 1.2 cubic yards For a 4×8-foot bed at 18 inches deep: 1.8 cubic yards For a 4×4-foot bed at 12 inches deep: 0.6 cubic yards
Order about 10% extra, as soil settles and compacts.
Should I use pure compost or a soil blend for raised beds?
Use a soil blend (like Aptos Veggie Mix) for raised beds. Pure compost is too rich and compacts over time. Blends include mineral components that provide structure and drainage.
Can I mix bulk soil with my existing garden soil?
Absolutely. For in-ground beds, mixing bulk compost or soil blend with your native soil is ideal. It improves your existing soil while adding organic matter.
How do I know if bulk soil is good quality?
Good soil should smell earthy (not sour or ammonia-like), be dark in color with visible organic matter, have good moisture without being soggy, and crumble easily without clumping or feeling gritty. Ask the supplier about ingredients and sourcing.
When is the best time to order bulk soil?
Spring (February through April) is busiest, so order early to ensure delivery before planting season. Fall is actually ideal for preparing beds for spring planting, and suppliers are often less busy.
How long does bulk soil last once delivered?
Use soil within a few weeks for best results. Piled soil can become compacted and anaerobic over time. If you must store it, keep the pile loose and covered to prevent weed seeds from colonizing it.
Is bulk soil safe for organic gardening?
The Central Home Supply OMRI compost is certified organic. For the blends, ask suppliers about their ingredients. Most reputable local suppliers use organic inputs, but OMRI certification is the gold standard.
Can I pick up bulk soil myself?
Yes, if you have a truck or trailer. Suppliers can load with a tractor. A half-yard fits in most full-size truck beds; don't exceed your vehicle's weight capacity. Line truck beds with a tarp for easier unloading.
Free Gardening Resources
Beginner Garden Setup Checklist — Plan your garden setup including soil needs.
Know Your Microclimate Worksheet — Understand your growing conditions before building beds.
Seasonal Planting Calendar — Time your bed preparation for optimal planting windows.
Invest in Your Soil
Good soil is the foundation of every successful garden. The difference between struggling plants and thriving ones often comes down to what's underneath them.
Yes, quality bulk soil costs money. But it costs far less than bagged soil, and the investment pays dividends for years. These three products represent the best options available locally for Santa Cruz County vegetable gardeners.
Call your chosen supplier, calculate your needs, and schedule delivery. Your future tomatoes will thank you.
