Why are raised beds better?
Sure, you can plant right in the ground, but here is why you need to invest in a raised garden bed; especially if you’re just starting your gardening journey:
Better Soil
Soil is critical to plant development. Having a raised bed allows you to control the soil conditions and contain them, allowing for years of harvest. When you first fill a raised bed, be sure to use a 1:1:1 ratio of topsoil, sand, and compost. I have a recommendation to that in my blog post, Feed Your Soil. When you are preparing to garden in subsequent years, always be sure to top off with the referenced blend, or at the least, fresh compost.
Prolific and Pretty
Raised beds create wonderful focal points in your backyard, but also amplify growing space with the ability to grow vertically with trellises and other garden structures. You will increase your food production and have a secret garden of your own with trellis tunnels, bird fountains, and even obelisk or panel trellises.
Water Management
Raised beds allow to drain well and help a gardener avoid waterlog plants and ultimately damaged or rotting roots. Raised beds also help water distribution in drip irrigation systems, administering water to the place that matters most, the roots.
Pest Deterrent
Raised beds lift our hard work and priceless produce off the ground and away from little furry visitors. You can also add extra protection at the base of the raised bed, like gopher wire, or add protection above ground with a row cover to keep plants protected from larger pests or even insects.
Extend your Season
Raised bed soil temps are always warmer since they are able to warm faster with the spring season, accelerating your planting time. In addition, adding frost covers or row covers can provide enough protection to continue growing well into fall in most climates.
Types of raised beds
There are many types of raised garden beds, however, majority you find will range in height from 5” upwards of 32”. Materials can also vary but most common are metal or wood. When selecting your material be sure to consider the longevity and location. There are rot resistant woods, however, they do require more maintenance than metal varieties.
Not sure what to start with? My consultations include a vision board to help guide our discussion to a conclusion and take all the guessing and research out of it.
