How much does Mel's mix weigh per cubic foot?

deonb 2/13/2021, 3:03 pm

Does anybody have an idea how much does Mel's mix weigh? Preferably when wet/moist, but a dry weight is ok.

I'm trying to calculate if it is practical to build a 4x4 palletized square foot garden that I can move around with my tractor. However, it can only lift around 750 lbs comfortably.

OhioGardener 2/13/2021, 3:41 pm

Deonb, it would not be possible to have a fixed number for the weight of Mel's Mix. While the weight of the Vermiculite and the Peat or Coir is fairly constant, each type of compost has different weight.

According the to the Mulch Store, estimated weights are highly variable:

How much does a yard of product weigh?

Weights for products will vary due to moisture content. Typically, mulch products weigh between 400-800 lbs. per cubic yard; Compost weighs between 1000 – 1600 lbs and soil blends weigh between 2200-2700 lbs.

The weight of your bed would depend on the depth of it. If your bed is 12" deep, and 4'x4' square, it would be 16 cu ft, or 0.6 cu yd. So, if you estimate 1000# per cu yd, the soil in your bed would weigh approximately 600#. If the weight of the compost is estimated at 1600#, your bed weight would be more like 960#.

**sanderson** 2/13/2021, 5:33 pm

Deon, If you make the 4'x4' bed out of 2"x8" lumber, fill with 6-7" of moist Mel's Mix and set it on a pallet, the total weight will be under the load limit. I read the weight of a 6"x4'x4' SFG bed some time ago but I can't remember, something between 300-400 lbs. ?? thinking

You will probably be adding a 4'x4' piece of plywood for the bottom, plus the weight of the pallet, maybe around 500-600 lbs.

I do know that lifting a filled 2'x4'x8" bed with plywood bottom into the back of a pickup, just about killed 2 strong men. Shocked

markqz 2/13/2021, 10:17 pm

deonb wrote:Does anybody have an idea how much does Mel's mix weigh? Preferably when wet/moist, but a dry weight is ok.

I'm trying to calculate if it is practical to build a 4x4 palletized square foot garden that I can move around with my tractor. However, it can only lift around 750 lbs comfortably.

We used to have a stone boat or stone sledge for pulling behind our tractor. It seems like you could make something like for your SFG, if you didn't mind leaving tracks in the ground.

I'm curious, though, why you want to move it around.

**Kelejan** 2/14/2021, 2:12 am

Maybe to follow the sun? Very Happy

deonb 2/15/2021, 8:19 pm

It's because the yard is a work in progress and under construction. I want to move the garden beds around because they won't be in their final spot for a few years. But it would just be a once-a-season type of move, not constantly.

Sponsored content

How much does Mel's mix weigh per cubic foot?

How much does Mel's mix weigh per cubic foot?

Re: How much does Mel's mix weigh per cubic foot?

How much does a yard of product weigh?

Re: How much does Mel's mix weigh per cubic foot?

Re: How much does Mel's mix weigh per cubic foot?

Re: How much does Mel's mix weigh per cubic foot?

Re: How much does Mel's mix weigh per cubic foot?

Re: How much does Mel's mix weigh per cubic foot?


	Hello Guest! Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum. There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.