Have you been thinking about building a raised garden bed? If so, August is a good month to do so and this will enable you to try it out come this fall.
Here is what I suggest to customers who ask me about raised gardening beds:
- My first question is: What is it that you want to grow in the beds? Raised beds can be used to grow most anything from vegetables, small fruits, perennials, annuals, dwarf conifers, etc.
- My second question is: What is the sun exposure? Full sun, partial sun, etc.? Location is the key to success.
- My third question is: What size do you want your raised bed to be?
- And finally: Do you plan on building more than one?
I love the concept of raised garden beds. Personally, I do not have one. But, this is because of where I live more so than any other reason. I can relate to gardening in raised beds. To me, it is like having one huge container.
Customers will ask me about depth more than length or width. My answer is always determined by what it is that will be grown. In general, I suggest a depth of 18 inches. This depth will give plenty of room for roots to grow deep into the soil. And, this depth will give you more versatility as to what you can successfully grow in a raised bed.
Customers will ask whether you need to put something on the bottom of the bed in order to contain the soil. Yes, I like the idea of using a fabric weed barrier cloth. The fabric weed barrier will keep weeds from growing up into the bed. And, at the same time, allow water to drain well.
I mention soil. As with containers, you want well-draining soil. I suggest a blend of top soil with compost. To take this soil recipe up a notch then I suggest adding some composted cow manure along with some mushroom compost. Blend this all together and you just made a soil where any plant can thrive.
Most people I talk to want to build their own raised bed. Here is where I suggest going onto the internet. There are great videos and information on how to build.
Finally, don’t forget that you can build a raised garden bed on legs and raise it up off the ground. As we get older, gardening is still the number one hobby—no matter your age. But, growing older can create some limitations when it comes to gardening, especially when it comes to knelling or bending. So, a garden that is off the ground by two or three feet can be rewarding.
After you build your raised garden bed(s) then come see us for everything you need—soils, vegetables, small fruits, etc. We would love the opportunity to help you.
PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!