Raised Bed Gardening

Raised bed gardening, like container gardening, is another way to get the most out of the space available. Both have advantages over regular back yard gardening.

Raised bed gardening offers greater yield per square foot than traditional gardening. Since there are no rows required, all the space is usable. Also, the soil remains loose because it is not compacted by walking on it, which allows air to reach the roots to encourage growth. Beds should be narrow enough to work from both sides, thus eliminating the need to walk on the soil.

Raised bed gardening expands the growing season. In northern climates the soil in raised beds warms up much faster and cool weather plants can be started while there is snow on the rest of the garden. On the other hand, raised beds tend to dry out faster and require  mulch and extra watering. Watering is best accomplished by placing seeping hoses around the edges. These can remain on the soil and be connected to your water hose when needed. Slow watering reduces the risk of washing out plants or saturating the soil too much.

Raised beds can also be placed in areas that would not be suitable for regular gardening. Raised bed gardening allows plants to thrive in heavy clay or sandy soil. Clay can be loosened by mixing organic mulch and peat moss with the clay. Generally, raised bed gardening requires a bed not more than four feet wide so that it can be worked from either side, without walking on the garden bed itself. It is not necessary to have a frame, but it is more desirable. The frame can be made of wood, but it is best not to use lumber that has been treated with chemicals containing arsenic. Railroad ties have been used successfully and are safe as long as there
is no residue left from the creosote used to treat the ties. Cement blocks or bricks can also be used, but over time can leech lime into the soil making it too alkaline.The easiest way to make your own raised bed is to purchase the corners available at Gardener's Supply Company and other garden stores. These are easy to install and require only lumber of desired size to make a raised bed garden that is functional and attractive.

The bed for raised bed gardening can be in any  location that receives enough sun. It is best if it is not more than four feet wide, but can be as long as space permits. Beds can be made 6 inches deep to two feet deep or more. A bed two feet deep allows one to remain seated while working. This makes raised bed gardening ideal for the disabled or elderly gardener.  

Besides increasing yields, raised bed gardening provides an attractive element to the landscape. By the placement of the raised beds and careful planting of compatible vegetables the beds become an integral part of a well planned landscape .
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