---
title: "Help! I have a raised garden bed for the first time and I’m worried…"
description: "Help! I have a raised garden bed for the first time and I’m worried It doesn’t have enough drainage! I used some cardboard as a base layer, then organic…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/04A0RIUwcH3kyhAFx5TeaY"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Olivia"
published: "2025-06-20T22:29:41.790591Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0UuCGE4NlKWtHdQ83giniL-YuCnKr-ikjHFsYgCaoxg/wP8IQ1tLQxqpUrPEw1LFLw.webp?size=large"
---

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# Help! I have a raised garden bed for the first time and I’m worried…

_Posted by Olivia on 2025-06-20_

Help! I have a raised garden bed for the first time and I’m worried It doesn’t have enough drainage! I used some cardboard as a base layer, then organic compost soil. I’ve tried aerating the soil manually but am wondering if you have any tips! Plz and thank you!!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0UuCGE4NlKWtHdQ83giniL-YuCnKr-ikjHFsYgCaoxg/wP8IQ1tLQxqpUrPEw1LFLw.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### Amy commented on 2025-06-21

As long as it’s not on concrete, you should be fine. Is there anything that’s making you worry about drainage and aeration? It looks good to me

#### Olivia replied on 2025-06-21

The soil at the bottom 3 inches or so always remains pretty moist. Because it’s an organic compost soil I’m also noticing small mushrooms growing and I feel like the soil is more susceptible to fungus

#### Amy replied on 2025-06-22

Fungi can actually be a good sign! As long as it’s not overly extensive and on your plants, it’s a sign of healthy soil. Think of forest systems.

In regards to the moist soil my only guess is that the cardboard hasn’t broken down yet and is creating a little barrier. This should gradually fix itself as the cardboard remains wet.

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