Here's how I fill my raised garden beds for cheap ⬇️ Step 1: Cardboard - a weed suppression layer which prevents weeds from growing up through the bed and allows the indigenous soil structure to be left intact. Step 2: Sticks - Free and abundant. Will decompose over a couple years. The smaller the stick, the faster it will decompose. Step 3: Dry Leaves - free medium for filling taller beds so you don't spend a fortune on compost. Leaves break down within 4-12 months and provide nutrient rich compost for your plants to feed on. Shred them up for quicker decomposition. As leaves break down the soil level will settle which allows more space for fresh compost next year. Step 4: Mushroom Manure - cheaper than filling the entire bed with compost (at least in my area). Provides macro and micro nutrients for crops. Will break down and decompose further in the garden. Aim for a 4-6" thick layer. Step 5: Compost - preferably a screened compost which will provide a perfect medium for germinating seeds and planting small seedlings. Homemade is preferred as store bought compost can be expensive. Aim for a 3-4" layer. NOTE: Allow the newly filled raised bed to sit for 2-4 weeks prior to planting. This will give the mushroom manure and compost a chance to cool down and not risk overheating small seedlings. Additionally, the taller your raised bed is the more it will settle. You may choose to add more compost to top up the bed before planting. Do you grow in raised garden beds?