Continuing with our spring theme of gardening ideas, today we look at how raised beds can have a place in the garden plan. Most simply, raised bed gardening is the strategy of growing plants in soil that is higher than ground level.
Raised beds are terrifically versatile. They can be customized to your garden plan—made of various dimensions and heights; constructed of wood, metal, bricks, cement blocks, or even hay bales; placed and positioned where you choose. Once a site is selected, beds are usually a permanent fixture. If wood is used for the sides, use rot-resistant types like cedar or redwood and make certain it is untreated. Do not use railroad ties.
Cost of the structure depends upon the quality and amount of material used and soil and compost to fill the structure. Once built, the cost of maintenance is no greater than traditional row gardening.
Raised bed gardening is a great way to grow crops when space is limited or in areas with inferior or poor soils. This scheme is perfect for first-time gardeners as well as experienced gardeners.
Building the frame is labor-intensive, but well-constructed frames last many years. It just takes a little forethought and planning for a productive garden ending the season with a satisfying experience.
The dimensions can vary but width should be 4 feet or less, allowing access to plants on both sides of the bed. Beds can be any length but keep in mind that they have to be walked around to get from one side to the other. Construct the bed on a level surface and one that has access to a water source.
Since the raised bed is a permanent structure, orientation is critical to optimize light. Place the long sides of the bed to run north to south for full sun exposure. Vegetables need 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight daily for optimum production.
Position crops by size. Tall plants like corn and pole beans should be on the north side of the bed, medium sized like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, bush squash in the center and shorter plants like greens, garlic, and onion on the south.
The main benefits of raised beds is convenience to the gardener and for plants, good soil. With a raised bed, the gardener can build any type of soil, one with optimum texture of a loam that allows for good drainage.
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