Raised Beds
Raised beds are a great way to grow fruits and vegetables.
It has a host of advantages, and is aesthetically pleasing. Some of the
prettiest and best kept gardens are grown in raised beds. Raised beds are
simple to make. There is something about raised beds that make gardners
more conscious about the appearance of the garden.
Benefits:
Warmer soil- The soil is elevated above ground
level, allowing the sun and air to warm it faster. This facilitates
earlier planting and better seed germination, especially in colder, more
northern climates.
Easy to reach- Less bending over and stretching
makes the joys of working in your garden and harvesting it far more
pleasurable. People with back or knee problems, other handicaps, and
elderly people will appreciate the ease of access.
Good drainage- Because the soil is above ground
level, heavy rains will drain off much better. Standing water is entirely
eliminated, and the existence and length of waterlogged soil after heavy
downpours is minimized.
Control of soil content- Sure, you can use soil
from the surrounding area. But, people with raised beds will bring in as
much as 100% of the soil, compost and manure they need to fill the beds.
The resulting mix will be far improved from the soil in your back yard. In
addition, growers will seek the mix that is ideal for the plants they will
grow in their raised beds.
Appearance- Raised beds make for just about the
most attractive gardens around. Maybe, it just seems that way or it's
personal preference. More likely, it's the fact that people who use raised
beds tend to care more about the overall appearance of their garden .
How to make Raised Beds:
The frame can be landscape timbers, railroad ties, two by
tens, concrete blocks or just about any other durable and strong material
that will hold in your soil. Even an old tractor trailer tire can be used.
Years ago, this was in fashion. Make sure the frame is sturdy enough to
hold in the soil. Anchor the sides from collapsing outward if need be. The
bottom should be open. If you are using a box or container of any kind,
remove the bottom to provide good drainage. Do not line the bottom of the
frame with plastic which will impede drainage.
Tip: Make sure the width of the bed is no more than
two arms lengths.This way you can reach any part of the garden without
stretching or climbing across the bed and plants.
The soil- While you can use soil from the
surrounding area, it is best to select the soil mixture that is ideal for
the plants you are planning to grow. If the raised bed is really high, use
soil from the surrounding area at the bottom.
Drip hose- This is optional. You can use sprinklers
or hand water. But a drip hose makes the raised bed more maintenance free
and efficient. Add it at or just below the soil level . Make sure to work
it in a pattern that will evenly cover
Mulch- To make your raised bed almost maintenance
free, use plastic mulch to keep weeds out. Add organic mulches of your
choice for appearance.
Make a series of smaller beds. Landscape around the beds
with stone, mulch or even paving blocks to create whatever style and look
you desire.
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