Raised beds are so advantageous for a number of reasons. They can be used to grow a variety of different plants and vegetables, they’re easier to take care of and they look great as well! That’s why it’s no surprise that more and more people are starting to use them. In this article we will explain everything you need to know about building raised gardens for gardening. What are raised beds for gardening? A raised bed is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a bed that’s elevated above the ground. This can be achieved in a number of different ways. You can use stone, bricks, concrete or wooden blocks. Whatever you decide on, you can be sure that it’ll be more stable than a traditional raised bed. This increased height allows you to grow taller plants and, in turn, larger harvest yield. This is because taller plants have a greater reach to gather sunlight. They can also grow larger roots that are able to reach into the soil bed for better nutrient absorption. This is especially helpful for heavy feeders like tomatoes, peppers and potatoes.
How To Build Raised Beds For Gardening
Raised garden beds are a great way to quickly build unified garden beds that will look wonderful in any garden for years to come. Below, we discuss some steps on how to build raised beds for gardening.
Choosing a Location
When building raised beds, it’s important to select the right location for maximum sun exposure and ease of access. Placement may depend on personal preference, area climate, or soil conditions. Make sure to measure twice and mark the proposed location of your raised beds before beginning construction.
Materials Needed
- Redwood, Cedar, Composite, or Pressure-treated Lumber
- Deck Screws or Nails
- Gravel or Crushed Rock
- Landscape Fabric
- Organic Soil
Assemble the Frame
Once you have selected a location, you will begin constructing the frame for your raised bed. Start by cutting your wood to the desired size, making sure to leave a ½” space between boards for drainage. Next, attach the boards together using deck screws or nails. It’s best to use fasteners that are galvanized or stainless steel to avoid corrosion.
Adding a Liner
After the frame is assembled, it’s important to line the bed with a STURDY landscape fabric to eliminate weeds from coming up through the bottom. Secure the fabric with staples and make sure there are no gaps where soil can escape. Adding a landscape fabric is also important for preventing soil from washing away with water.
Fill With Soil
Once the frame is secured and the fabric is in place, fill the bed with a good quality organic potting soil. Before filling the bed, add a layer of gravel or crushed rock for drainage — about two to three inches should be sufficient. Finally, add the soil and mix in some organic matter such as compost or aged manure to give it some extra nutrients.
Enjoy Your Raised Beds
That’s it! Once the bed is filled and level, it’s ready to be planted and enjoyed. Place taller plants away from the northern side of the bed to allow for ample sunlight. And don’t forget to water your plants regularly. With a little bit of care, your raised beds should provide you with a great place to garden for years to come.
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