Ep 152. What to Do With Raised Bed Dirt After the Season Ends

Fall is officially here, and many of us are looking at our raised beds wondering what comes next. Do we clear them out completely, or let nature do some of the work for us? In this episode, we dive into what really happens to the soil in our raised beds over winter and how we can prevent losing precious inches of dirt like my friend did when her soil dropped five full inches in just a couple of years.

We talk through the natural processes of compaction, decomposition, and erosion, plus the simple steps we can take now to protect and enrich our soil. From leaving roots behind to feed the underground ecosystem, to covering with shredded leaves or mulch, to adding compost before the snow hits — we’ll explore the best ways to “tuck in” our beds for the season. And if you’re in a warmer climate, we share cover crop ideas to keep living roots in the soil all winter long.

By the end, you’ll have practical and low-pressure ways to care for your raised beds this fall, so they’re ready and waiting to grow strong, healthy plants next spring.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why soil levels drop in raised beds over time

• The benefits of leaving roots and stems in place

• How leaves, mulch, and compost act like a protective blanket

• Tips for using cover crops if you live in a mild climate

• Simple habits to prevent losing soil year after year

👉 Join the conversation in The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community and share what you’re doing with your raised beds this fall!