How much topsoil do I need?

[Barmaid]

I've got two raised beds coming soon. They measure 6ft x 3ft x 8 inches. Reckon I am going to have to order 25kg bags because a) we don't actually have a wheelbarrow b) barrow access is in any event quite difficult and c) I think I will lose the will to live if I have to double handle it (ie shovelling it into the barrow and then tipping it out).

The question is, how many bags do I need? I think I need about 36 but am happy to be corrected.

This is how I have done the calculation:-

6ft = 1.8288m
3ft = 0.9144m
8 inches = 0.2032m

So the cubic metre of each bed is 0.339802.
I have two beds so the total m3 is 0.679604

Apparently 1 tonne of topsoil equals 750 litres or 0.75 cubic metres. So I need 0.906139 of a tonne which equates to approximately 36 bags.

Can someone check my maths and my logic for me, please because that seemed remarkably easy.

[Buenchico]

I also make it around 36¼ bags but I've got a maths degree, which usually means that the holder of it is rubbish at arithmetic!

Chris

[Barmaid]

Thanks Chris - it just seemed too easy so I thought I must have done something wrong.

Now I just have to get my head round the idea of lugging 36 x 25kg bags right round the whole of the house!! (I may wait until the FH is out and then just carry them through the house, it will halve the journey)!

[landscaper2]

Yup maths are right, dont forget to lightly compact the soil as you fill(by treading), which may mean need a bit more.
I hate bagged stuff tho - usually 3 or 4 times more expensive. You could buy yourself a good builders barrow and shovel that would last a lifetime with what you would save by buying in bulk. Unless the access is too narrow, shovelling and wheeling really isnt that big a deal.

[Barmaid]

That's the problem I have landscaper. Next door's fence is not that far from the house. I think with some manoevering I might get a barrow through (I can just squeeze the wheelie bin through with a bit of careful handling and a lot of swearing), but its not a straight run and its going to involve a lot of messing about - and more importantly scraped knuckles.

[bednobs]

you could always put the bags in the wheelie bin?

[e.crespo]

I use this web-site for my garden compost etc. needs. The really good thing about it, the delivery driver man-handles the bags into my garden for me:) jj
oops this is the site: http://www.creativega...rk-soil-growing-media