Raised bed gardening ...

Custom Search

Raised bed gardening is a practical and traditional yet one of the best methods of growing vegetables. Simply put, the soil level in a raised bed is higher than the surrounding ground and the bed is of a size that is small enough to work without stepping onto the soil. Ideally the bed should be about 12” high and no wider than 4 ft., so that everything is within an arm’s reach, but it can be of any length. The bed does not need to be framed, but framing does have many advantages.

Another plus of this system is the ability to use companion planting wherein compatible vegetables and herbs can be sown in close proximity to each other. thus taking advantage of the plants ability to help each other grow. It is a very interesting concept and will help to keep insect pests to a minimum.

Do not be surprised if you have higher yields from your beds. Because you do not need to walk on the soil, when tending your plants you'll avoid compacting the soil. Planting can also be done at higher densities, far enough apart so as not to crowd, but close enough to shade. Compacting of the soil reduces crop yield significantly; by as much as one-half, so by eliminating the walking on your soil; water and air can enter the soil easily. Due to the ease of reaching the gardening area, tilling can be done with hand tools such as a spade or a fork, lessening the need for a rotary tiller.

This system of gardening can also be used in low spots where water would normally collect after a heavy rain.

By planting grass, using paving materials or mulching between the beds, you'll be able to work in the rainy weather without worrying about tracking all that mud back into your kitchen. In colder climates, the beds will also warm-up earlier in the spring. Raised bed gardening allows you to plant much earlier and have a longer growing season.

Pest and weed control is also easier with a raised bed. If you have burrowing animals, hardware cloth can be used to line the bottom of your bed. A low fence also discourages other pesky critters such as rabbits and groundhogs from accessing your veggies. The clever gardener can even create a system of light framing to hold bird netting. If you use weed control plastic mulch, keeping the bed fairly narrow will allow use of a one roll width.

When constructing bed frames, avoid creosote and pentachlorophenol- treated wood, as the chemicals may leach into your soil. Pressure treated lumber, redwood, cypress, cement block or brick are fine to use. A raised bed with a frame can also be used as a cold frame by using a clear plastic cover or something as simple as a discarded storm sash as a lid. You may never have to transplant seedlings again!! When the weather is warm enough, just remove the top and you have a planting bed.

There are many styles of fabricated bed systems readily available on the market if you do not wish to build one. Most of these are constructed of strong weather proof materials, can be configured to your needs and can be placed on your site quite easily. They also make a garden look much neater and more orderly.

Back to locating your garden

Return from raised bed to Home Page

footer for Raised bed page