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The Many Advantages of
Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds are the best alternative for gardeners tired of battling poor soil conditions. There are many advantages (including the purely aesthetic) and few disadvantages. You can learn more about them here.
The concept is not much different from other types of gardening, but its popularity probably stemmed from Mel Bartholomew’s book and PBS television series “Square Foot Gardening”. With raised beds, you can grow more in less space - and with much less weeding!
Garden Landscaping Ideas
Of course, this is not only an advantage if growing vegetables or fruits is your goal. Planting flowers and other ornamental plants in this type of bed is appealing, because of the visual impact and also because of the advantage of better soil in which to nourish your flowering plants. My grandfather used to grow a delightful segment of his garden with red, white and blue flowers. Besides carrying a patriotic flair, the flowers attracted beneficial insects and plenty of "oohs and aahs" from delighted family, friends and neighbors!
Raised Garden Bed Materials
Raised bed gardens can be constructed of wood, brick or stone. The height can be adjusted to suit the needs of the individual. It is even possible to place the boxes on tables to allow older gardeners to pursue their hobby without bending, stooping or kneeling.The minimum height should be tall enough to allow for at least 6 inches of soil. Depending on the type of plants you intend to grow, you may need something deeper. To grow potatoes, carrots or other root vegetables, you would need to increase the depth, especially if the native soil is of very poor quality.
Edible Landscaping Advantages
Plants can be grown organically using this method. Compost can be used for fertilizer. Chemical-free organic potting soil is available from a number of landscaping and home improvement stores. Moss and bark can be used as a foundation to further nourish the soil.Another advantage has to do with drainage. Gardeners find that there is no water pooling on the surface. The only disadvantage has to do with the cost of construction. Wood is less expensive, but must be chemically treated or replaced when rotting occurs. Raised bed gardens constructed of brick or concrete will last longer. The new mortar-less bricks have become a popular choice. Since they require no mortar, they can easily be used by the do-it-yourself-er to create aesthetically pleasing beds of all shapes and sizes.
Raised Beds Gardening - More Plusses!
Other advantages not mentioned above include less maintenance and the ability to plant earlier in the spring. Since seeds and seedlings can be planted closer together, there is less room for weeds to grow. Using landscaping fabric at the base of the bed reduces weeds even further. As you can see, there are many reasons to consider raised garden beds. It’s a cost effective, environmentally friendly gardening option.
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