You may be tired of fighting weeds in your garden and dealing with poor soil. Raised bed gardening is a great option for you. Raised beds can make gardening more productive and enjoyable.
This post will explore the benefits of raised bed gardening, and show you how to get started today.
Raised beds can be a game changer for home gardeners. They offer improved drainage and better pest control. Let’s take a look at why raised bed gardening could be the best solution for your backyard.
What are raised bed gardens?
Raised bed gardening involves growing plants in raised garden beds that are filled with compost and soil. These beds can be made from wood, stone or other materials. They can also be tailored to suit any gardening needs or space.
Raised beds are available in a variety of heights, from a few inches to several feet. Raised beds give gardens an organized appearance and make gardening easier and more productive. In most cases, the benefits listed below will result in increased yields and an easier gardening experience.
The benefits of gardening in raised beds
Raised garden beds are not just for aesthetics. They are convenient, practical and functional. Here are some great reasons to grow in raised beds:
1. Easier access
Raised bed gardening is a wonderful solution for people with physical limitations. Gardeners who have back or knee pain can benefit from raised beds because they don’t have to bend over or kneel on the ground.
Beds raised to a suitable height allow gardeners with limited mobility to enjoy their hobby. The soil can be easily reached by a gardener in a wheelchair or chair.
Raised bed gardening can be a great method to increase the efficiency of plant care. The elevated beds make it easy to access the garden, without having to stretch or bend down too much. Most garden beds are designed so that plants can be accessed from either side, making it easier to weed, water, and harvest.
You can create attractive paths between the beds to make it easier to access them and reduce weeds.
2. No tilling needed
Raised beds are amended with organic matter every year, rather than tilling the soil.
3. Create appealing and functional spaces
You can easily separate your beds into different zones for planting on your property. You can, for example, use some beds to grow edibles while others are for ornamental annuals and perennials.
Plants that prefer shade, such as leafy greens or peas, can be planted in areas with low light. Those filled with sun-loving tomato and pepper plants can be grown in parts of the yard with maximum sun exposure.
Raised beds make it easy to distinguish between plots of land in communal spaces such as school or community gardens.
Make raised beds for each child to grow what they like. It’s a great way to get kids interested in growing their own plants or food. I remember how much fun it was to choose our own seeds, and then help grow and harvest our garden plants.
4. Protect plants against soil compaction and damage
You risk soil compaction if you plant directly in the ground. This is because people and animals will walk through your planting area. This can cause plant roots to be damaged and growth to be hindered.
Raised beds keep plants above the ground, which allows the soil to stay looser. They are also protected from pets and foot traffic. Raised beds that are tall enough will keep rabbits, critters and other animals from eating your hard work.
5. Improved weed control
Over time, weeds will become less of an issue in raised beds that are well maintained. This is especially true if the beds receive a good mulching every year.
It’s easy to remove weed seeds from raised beds if you grab them when they are small. The loose soil allows you to pull weeds without having to get on your knees.
6. Better drainage
Raised beds are better at soil drainage because soil compaction does not occur. A good drainage system will ensure even watering and healthy roots. This is particularly important in areas where the soil is heavy with clay.
In areas where excessive drainage can be a problem in sandy soil, a raised soil bed with amended soil will help retain water.
The soil in your garden can be amended to make it the perfect place for plants, regardless of its quality.
7. Efficiency & productivity
Raised beds are more manageable than garden areas that are planted on the ground or spread out over large spaces. Raised beds also produce less waste due to runoff and unnecessary amendments.
In-ground gardens can be easily ruined by heavy rains. Raised beds will help to retain these materials.
Raised beds can also be very productive. You can fit a lot of plant life into a small area if you know how to manage them. This photo shows one of my raised beds. The photo was taken early in the summer when plants were thriving. These beds are always overflowing by the end of every growing season.
In-ground gardens can be easily ruined by heavy rains. Raised beds will help to retain these materials.
Raised beds can also be very productive. You can fit a lot of plant life into a small area if you know how to manage them. This photo shows one of my raised beds. The photo was taken early in the summer when plants were thriving. These beds are always overflowing by the end of every growing season.
It is easier to cover plants in raised beds than in in-ground gardens. Row covers, blankets, tarps, hoop-greenhouses, and cold frames can be used to cover your raised beds on those frosty mornings in the late fall or early spring.
9. Greater planting versatility
Raised beds come in all sizes and shapes. From small boxes to multi-bed arrangements, they can be used for any size yard. You can start small if you’re new to gardening, or if you have limited space. Beginners can learn how to garden by starting a small herb or kitchen garden.
Planting beds can grow with your passion for gardening. Raised beds are great for lawns, patios and decks. It is possible to grow a herb or vegetable garden almost anywhere.
Contact Landscape Charlie today. We can build you Raised Garden Beds in what size or shape you desire. Get ready to start growing.