Lesson 2.2 Raised Beds
Completion requirements
Section 2: Structures for Producing Plants
Lesson 2: Raised Beds
Raised bed gardening is a form of gardening in which the soil is formed in 1 to 1.3 metre wide beds, which can be of any length or shape. The soil is raised above the surrounding soil by means of a frame generally made of wood, rock, or
concrete blocks. The height of the frame can be as desired.
It has been said that raised bed gardens are the saviours of gardeners with poor soil conditions. The basic idea is to build above ground where you have absolute control over the soil texture and ingredients.
An added feature is that raised bed gardening requires less bending when planting and harvesting.
It has been said that raised bed gardens are the saviours of gardeners with poor soil conditions. The basic idea is to build above ground where you have absolute control over the soil texture and ingredients.
An added feature is that raised bed gardening requires less bending when planting and harvesting.
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A raised bed garden is built on top of your native soil; you can use some of the native soil or customize a mixture to suit your garden. You can plant herbs, vegetables, perennials, annuals, or shrubs in a raised bed.
Raised beds offer the following advantages:
Raised beds offer the following advantages:
- warm more quickly in the spring, allowing you to plant earlier
- offer better drainage
- ensure the soil doesn't get compacted because you do not walk on it
- make it easy to tailor the soil to the specific plants you grow in them
- need less maintenance than conventional plots
After the initial construction process, raised beds require very little maintenance. Fresh compost should be added each spring or fall by top dressing or by digging it into the top several inches of soil.
As with any garden, mulching the top of the soil will help retain moisture and keep weeds down. Moisture retention is important since raised beds tend to drain faster. Sometimes raised bed gardens are covered with clear plastic to protect the crops from winds and strong rains.
As with any garden, mulching the top of the soil will help retain moisture and keep weeds down. Moisture retention is important since raised beds tend to drain faster. Sometimes raised bed gardens are covered with clear plastic to protect the crops from winds and strong rains.
Vegetable garden bed construction materials must be chosen carefully. There is some concern regarding the use of pressure-treated lumber. Sometimes a toxic chemical mix for preserving timber is used, which may leak chemicals into the soil, and
which in turn can be drawn up into the plants. This is a concern where part or all of a plant is eaten, such as vegetables or fruits.
To avoid this concern, use untreated hardwood or redwoods that are resistant to natural decay. Alternatively, concrete blocks or building bricks can be used.
To avoid this concern, use untreated hardwood or redwoods that are resistant to natural decay. Alternatively, concrete blocks or building bricks can be used.
You can choose from a variety of popular materials to construct a raised bed. Wood is a very popular choice because it is easy to work with and it is inexpensive.
One can even use rocks from a gravel pit if such are available, or place bales of straw in whatever configuration you desire. However, bales of straw would be less permanent. Depending on your choice of material, costs can be kept very low.
One can even use rocks from a gravel pit if such are available, or place bales of straw in whatever configuration you desire. However, bales of straw would be less permanent. Depending on your choice of material, costs can be kept very low.
Image Source: Pixabay
The use of raised beds in your garden can be as plain or as fancy as you like.
