Winter is always a good time to think and plan for a better garden. If you have been struggling with poor vegetable yield or unhealthy plants, a good new year resolution will be to build raised beds in your garden.
A raised bed is any area of soil higher than its surrounding. It can be easily erected using wood, stones or even tires.
Photo credit: Steffen Hauser
Less Work and Bending
Raised beds are superior to conventional row planting in that there is much less work in tilling and digging the soil yearly which save you time and effort in the long run.
With raised bed garden, the optimal soil mix is created at the start. There is no massive amending; at most, raised beds will require shallow turning and laying of compost every year. The turning is a breeze if the soil is loose, stone free, and contains a good proportion of organic matter.
Another practical aspect is less bending over which prevents back pain and knee aches, especially for the elderly. You can adjust the height of the raised beds to suit your needs.
Less Space Needed
Raised beds can be planted intensively because of better soil mix. And since crops are not confined to rows, space is used more efficiently. You can produce enough food to feed two person in a small garden if you plan your raised beds properly.
Easy Weeding
Since we make the soil in raised beds, weed seeds are less likely to be embedded as compared to native soil. The extra height is also a barrier for weeds.
Though there are lesser weeds, you still have to do weeding occasionally. It is less troublesome in the loose, soft soil though.
Healthier Soil
Gardening with a raised bed maintains healthy and active soil. The soil is largely intact and plant roots can absorb whatever nutrients and moisture in the soil, without fear of organic matter being washed away.
Environmentally speaking, raised beds also helps reduce global warming by sequestering carbon instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.
More Vegetable Yield
Raised beds make your landscape more attractive and increase the yield of fruits and vegetables per square foot. As the depth and texture of the soil improve, so will your plant growth.
Unlike commercial growers who have to plant in rows due to the movement of their big machinery, our gardening is largely manual and that makes it easier for us to leverage on the advantages of raised beds.
Raised beds may take some getting used to, but once you try, you’ll be pleased with the improvements to your plants.
allanbecker-gardenguru said,
January 5, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Yes, raised beds can be more attractive than conventional ones. For ornamental gardens where perennial and annual flowers grow, the weathered lumber in the image you posted should be either camouflaged with trailing plants or replaced with a more interesting material such a stone or stained wood.
Ramona said,
January 6, 2011 at 4:55 am
I enjoyed your post about raised garden beds. I will agree that especially for small space, richer soil, and higher yields, raised beds are the way to go. I too posted an older segment on raised bed gardening. Check it out when you get a few moments.
Paul said,
January 6, 2011 at 6:30 am
Thanks for dropping by allan. I like your suggestion of dressing up the weathered lumber with trailing plants to make the raised beds more attractive.
Paul said,
January 6, 2011 at 6:39 am
Ramona, nice to see you around. Yes, raised beds are the way to go but some gardeners are still making the mistake of planting in rows. I think it is good to make some changes come spring.
Sure, I will check out your post.
Coco Rivers said,
January 6, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Hi Paul. I started using raised beds in my own garden to great sucess. In truth, they are only a foot off the ground but what’s so cool is that we made triangular beds that created a very cool geometric accent. Amended with compost and chicekn manure, everything grows like gangbusters. I also love planting in pattened designs which creates a wonderful tapestry of edible color and texture.
Tatyana said,
January 7, 2011 at 2:18 pm
So true! I found one more use for my three raised beds last fall: I use them for composting since my composter and my compost pile are full.
Paul said,
January 14, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Coco, I am glad that your raised beds are successful. Better crop yield aside, you are using your creativity to great effect in creating a beautiful garden. Making patterns with raised beds is more interesting than growing in rows.
Paul said,
January 14, 2011 at 2:47 pm
Tatyana, thanks for the comment. I have not used any of my raised beds for composting yet, but I am ready to try it if my composting bins are fully occupied.
Andrea said,
January 17, 2011 at 1:52 am
Thanks Paul for appreciating my Philippines sunsets. Your comment led me here. I love the idea that raised beds minimize backaches, etc. That’s true! But here raised beds are very very seldom. We have lots of termites and woods have still to be treated or else, be down in 2 wks. Concrete is also expensive and permanent so also a bit difficult. But i am sure it is very helpful in urban gardening where everything has to be bought, even the soil.
SherryGreens said,
January 19, 2011 at 6:46 am
I would like to build some raised beds for growing vegetables this year… I just have to find somewhere to put them! Is it possible to create a raised bed with a wooden bottom, and lay it on concrete? What if it is 12 inches deep? I have a postage stamp for a back yard but lots of patio… I was thinking of doing a stawberry patch, and other things that don’t grow as deep… Any suggestions?
Paul said,
January 20, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Andrea, treated wood is good but my preference is to use concrete blocks for raised beds in termite infested areas. If cost is an issue, you can look into recycled materials. Some gardeners have exhorted the advantages of used tires but chemical compounds is a concern.
Paul said,
January 20, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Sherry, a raised bed with wooden bottom is fine. You can drill some holes at the base for drainage and line it with newspapers or garden fabric.
12 inches of soil is good enough for most herbs, vegetables, flowers. For example, corn, peas, lettuce, tomatoes, and yes, strawberries too.