How to Garden With a Raised Bed
A raised garden bed could be a excellent idea if you have poor soil or heavy clay soil or find gardening challenging as a result of a physical problem. While it will take longer to make a raised bed, or initially cost more if you go for a raised garden kit, it will be worth it in the long term. Cedar raised garden kits are very well-liked as they are resistant to water and very durable. A raised bed has various distinct advantages over regular gardening and may make gardening a good deal easier, more enjoyable and even more prolific.
Advantages of Raised Gardening
- In a raised garden you will have extensive control over the the make up of the soil so you can grow vegetables or flowers that may need specific pH’s and nutrients easily
- The soil can be purchased weed free so you will not have to waste time weeding.
- In a raised bed plants are a lot simpler to keep in good condition and generally develop better. The earth does not become compressed from people walking on it, so air and nutrients can reach the roots much easier.
- Raised gardens heat up quicker in the Spring so you can transplant a lot sooner giving you a longer growing period.
- It is much easier to cultivate a raised garden than a normal garden as you can make the garden at a suitable height. For those with physical problems, or are in a wheelchair this may be the only means that they can get pleasure from gardening.
- Raised beds are a good deal kinder to the knees and back! You will not hurt your knees or back from gardening.
- In a correctly prepared raised garden, drainage is much better than in a normal garden. You will not get waterlogged soil and the plants will grow better.
Placing Your Raised Garden
Before you make a decision where to position a raised garden observe your garden for at least a complete day to check which areas get more sunlight or which are in shadow. Are you going to grow sun loving plants or those which prefer shade? Find a section where you can have room round the garden to make gardening more convenient. It may also be helpful to have concrete paths on all sides of the garden to make moving around it with equipment easy. Should you be making one for a person who is in a wheelchair you ought to make certain that access is comfortable from every side and it is a comfortable height.
How to Fill Your Raised Bed Garden
Once the garden is finished fill it with high-quality earth and compost. A blend of half compost and half soil is generally suggested. Top soil is frequently obtainable to buy in bulk but be careful of the quality as there are no standards set down. Top soil can vary a lot in composition. Garden shops also provide soil in bulk and you can be positive that it is good. You might use top soil from your own backyard but you will need rather a lot and it might not have all the nutrients needed. It will also inevitably have wild plant seeds and perhaps stones.
For saving money you may perhaps want to mix garden soil with purchased soil but take care you mix it thoroughly and preferably have the soil tested to ensure the pH and nutrient levels are satisfactory. Whatever option you choose blend in a small quantity of sand to help with drainage. You may also need to replenish the earth occasionally as it compacts down and add some organic matter on a regular basis. An excellent hint is to cultivate some ground cover plants for the duration of the winter to protect the soil which can then be dug in in the Spring to add nutrients.
Conclusion
Raised gardening has numerous marked advantages over regular gardening for all of us but particularly for the elderly or individuals with physical problems. Whether you choose to build your own raised garden bed or pick from one of the many raised garden kits available you can be certain to get many years of satisfying gardening.
