Raised garden beds provide a versatile and practical approach to increasing your garden’s variety and making it easier to access the plants you grow. Raised beds involve far less digging and effort and relieve much of the pain in the back from bending over. They can add beauty and a sculptural element to your garden. Let’s see in detail what raised garden beds are and how to implement some raised garden bed ideas easily.
What are raised garden beds?
A raised bed usually refers to a contained bed above ground level. Why do you need to build a raised garden bed? One reason is better control over the soil your plants grow in. Moreover, it promotes the growth of the root systems in a deeper and wider way. And bigger and healthier roots equal healthier and more productive plants!
With raised bed planting, the plants are in plain sight. You don’t have to bend over so much when you work, which protects your lumbar spine. Raised garden beds can also raise your plants above problematic soil, unfit for planting or contaminated. This way you have better control over the soil and the drainage.
Last but not least, it is aesthetically pleasing. Raised garden beds give the garden a very orderly and structured look. They are a joy to look at.
What to consider before building raised garden beds?
Raised garden beds have numerous advantages, but also there are some things to consider.
The first one is their permanence. This can be also a benefit for some farmers. But if you are going to relocate or reshape your garden, then you will need to reconstruct the garden beds.
Raised garden beds will need a different style of watering as the soil would dry out more quickly than surface soil. You need to have easy access to water.
The raised soil is also more exposed to heat and frost than surface soil. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, keep this in mind too.
Last but not least, raised beds must have space for paths between them. If your yard is really small, you might not want to lose your walking space.
How to build a raised bed
Here are some guidelines that experts in raised garden beds provide when building the actual garden beds.
- Height – ideally 12″ to 18″. It depends on the crops and their root systems. Root vegetables require more space, while herbs need much less. The height is in close relation to the foundation soil.
- Width – it is considered practical to make the beds three to four feet wide in order to be able to reach the centre from each side with ease.
- Length – this can vary and is limited only by your space and budget. You could design it according to your garden and preferences.
- Shape – all shapes and forms are suitable. There are plenty of raised garden bed ideas when it comes to shapes – squares, rectangles, ovals, circles, T-shape, etc. You only need to stick to the 4-feet width to be able to reach the centre from each side.
- Preparation of the soil – when the design is ready, you need to prepare the soil, which includes plucking the weeds and cutting shrubs. You also need to level the spot; this is a must. If your foundation is made of concrete, you need to build special drainage to allow the water to flow out of the beds.
- Choosing the materials for the beds – you need to choose materials that are neither toxic to your crops nor so easily degradable so as to disintegrate in a few years. Some people prefer raw untreated wood. It is the best natural option, but it can degrade in a couple of years. Concrete blocks are also an option, but they are way heavier. This is something to keep in mind if you would like to move or reconstruct the beds.
The building process may vary according to the material and the complexity of the shapes and forms. For professional advice on the materials and the project, it is always better to consult an expert. PI Gardening’s team of experts are ready to help with raised bed garden ideas and installation!
Some raised garden bed ideas
You can make a raised bed border around your property to add more structure to your garden. You can plant perennials or another low-maintenance plant near the side of the fence and flowers or herbs on the internal site, where you have good access for tending the plants.
Upcycle with garden beds
Car tires, wheelbarrows without wheels, steel tubs – they all can be transformed into beautiful raised beds. If used harmoniously with the other elements in your garden, they can add charm and a vintage feel to it.
Curate the paths between the beds
If you leave grass or dirt paths between the beds, they will get muddy on rainy days, which will encourage the proliferation of weeds. You can cover the paths with weed control fabric and mulch them with bark wood chippings.
Raised bed corner
The corners of your yard can be overlooked, but they shouldn’t – you can create a beautiful raised bed there. Adding a raised bed can transform it from a forgotten spot to a centrepiece. You can add beautiful stones or antique furniture for a creative touch to your corner beds.
Raised garden bed around your house
Adding raised flower or vegetable beds around your house will add vibrancy and beauty. If your space allows it, build a nice flower bed near your house. You can play with the design as you wish.
Conclusion
Adding raised garden beds will certainly add not only to the beauty of your garden but also to the health of the plants. It is a very practical way to enhance your garden right away. Although raised garden beds will make your gardening much easier, some gardeners are put off because it involves initial effort and planning.
However, you can ask experts for help to create beautiful raised beds. PI Gardening is a reliable contractor, who can assist with raised bed installation or advise you on how to position them best.