Gardening is hard work — many gardeners are always on the lookout for ways to make it easier, and this is where raised garden beds come in. They have always been popular with elderly gardeners, as well as those with back problems. Anyone who is tired of leaning over to harvest or weed can appreciate the advantages of these raised beds.
What are the advantages of raised garden beds.
Gardeners are discovering a number of advantages to raised beds besides labor saving. The health of the plants and productivity of the garden are primary concerns for many gardeners. Plants are vulnerable to damage from gophers and moles with in-ground gardens. If these rodents give you trouble, choose planter boxes with bottoms, or line them with hardware cloth. If your pests are of the insect or feathered variety, it is typically easier to attach frames to raised garden beds than it is to in-ground posts.
When you are planting in-ground, you fortify the soil that’s already there. When you are planting in raised garden beds, you fill them with soil and amendments of your choice. You’re not starting with a base of low quality “dirt”. You will probably have much healthier plants and a larger harvest using this method. If you’re growing flowers, you will have more blooms and brighter colors. Make sure to choose only sterile soil and amendments. If there are no weed seeds, there will be no weeds. Your good soil will stay good. You won’t be walking on it, causing compaction.
Raised garden beds drain well.
With the soil elevated above ground level, it can drain well. This is especially important in areas with heavy rainfall or high humidity. Excess water can cause the roots of plants to rot, besides encouraging diseases.
When you are planning your new elevated plot, think about a watering system. This is your chance to add soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems. If you’re using soaker hoses, put them in place before you add the last few inches of soil. This protects your hose from the elements and prevents evaporation. If you’re using drip irrigation, run the main line under the bed, and bring an outlet to surface level before you fill it. That way, you will be able to add a micro sprinkler or a series of drippers on top of the soil without having the heavy main water line crowding your plants.
Raised garden beds can become works of art.
The raised garden beds themselves can also become landscape focal points. There are many styles available to suit any landscaping theme. From rugged wood to stonework design, most coordinate nicely with retaining walls and walkways. You can choose various shapes (e.g., square, rectangle, round, oval, and three-cornered) for aesthetic effect or to fit in an area. Many are multi-level (terraced) and make a stunning lawn centerpiece.
Maximize space in a small yard by bordering your lawn or sitting area. There is no fear of accidentally stepping on plants in raised garden beds. Place them close together, with pathways in-between. For an added special touch, plant fragrant flowers on your raised garden beds close to benches and chairs.
