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# What type of soil should I use to fill my raised bed?


![WoodBlocX raised bed filled with top soil](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/99e85b04a8366000/heart-shape-raised-bed_r5gfd.jpg)

We recommend using a good-quality topsoil to fill your raised bed. This will help to produce a suitable growing area for your flowers, vegetables and plants.

For all structures, we recommend adding a drainage layer at the bottom such as gravel or hardcore etc - this is particularly important when building on hard surfaces such as patios and concrete.

You can also layer logs, branches, bark, cardboard and organic matter at the bottom before adding a topsoil layer - learn more about the [Hugelkultur Raised Bed method](https://rootsandboots.com/how-to-build-hugelkultur-raised-garden-beds/). 

You can buy topsoil easily online from websites such as [onlinesoil.co.uk](https://www.onlinesoil.co.uk/), [turfonline.co.uk](https://www.turfonline.co.uk/product-category/substrate-soils-bark/top-soil/) and [topsoilshop.co.uk](https://www.topsoilshop.co.uk/) and from all major garden centres. 

To maximise the lifespan of your WoodBlocX structure, we always recommend [installing a liner](/en/article/do-i-need-a-liner-in-my-raised-beds-8qu7k7/) where WoodBlocX timber has contact with soil.