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Saturday, November 25th: Get a free $50 digital gift card when you spend $250 or more on the website. https://michelleinthemeadow.com/epic – coupon code MEADOW
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Monday, November 27th: Take 20% off your ENTIRE ORDER on ANY item on the Epic Gardening store. https://michelleinthemeadow.com/epic
Guide to Raised Beds: Plans, Timing, Tending
Raised garden beds are an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners, offering numerous benefits such as improved soil conditions, better drainage, and easier access for planting and maintenance. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essentials of planning, preparing, and tending to raised garden beds, answering some of the most common questions to ensure your gardening success.
Planning Your Raised Beds
Determining the Size
The size of your raised beds can vary depending on the space available and the types of plants you wish to grow. Typically, raised beds should be no wider than 4 feet to allow easy access to the center from either side. The length can be as long as your space permits, but sections of 6 to 8 feet are manageable and popular. The height of raised beds commonly ranges from 6 inches to a foot, which provides sufficient depth for most vegetable roots. However, deeper beds can be beneficial for root vegetables and to improve soil drainage.
Choosing Materials
Raised beds can be constructed from a variety of materials. Wood is a popular choice due to its natural aesthetics and durability, with cedar and redwood being preferred for their resistance to rot. Other materials include bricks, concrete blocks, or even recycled plastics. When selecting materials, consider durability, cost, environmental impact, and how well they complement your garden's aesthetics.
Preparing Your Raised Bed
Building or Buying
You can either build your own raised beds from scratch, following DIY plans available online, or purchase pre-made bed kits from garden centers. Building your own allows for customization in terms of size and height.
Soil and Compost
The initial preparation of a raised bed is crucial for the success of your garden. Begin by layering the bottom with cardboard or newspaper, which will decompose over time and help to suppress grass and weed growth. Fill the bed with a mixture of topsoil, compost, and other organic materials such as leaf mold or well-rotted manure to provide a rich, fertile environment for your plants to thrive.
Tending to Your Raised Garden Beds
Regular Maintenance
Tending a raised garden bed involves regular watering, weeding, and monitoring for pests. Because raised beds drain faster than ground-level beds, they may require more frequent watering, especially during dry spells. Mulching with organic materials such as straw or wood chips can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Seasonal Care
In spring, prepare your bed by loosening the soil and adding fresh compost to replenish nutrients. Throughout the growing season, keep an eye on plant health and address any issues with pests or diseases promptly. At the end of the growing season, clear out spent plants and add more compost to prepare the bed for the next planting season. Covering the bed with a layer of mulch or a cover crop can protect the soil during the winter months.
Crop Rotation
To maintain soil health and prevent pest buildup, practice crop rotation in your raised beds. Avoid planting the same type of vegetable in the same spot year after year. Rotating crops helps in managing soil fertility and reducing the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Raised garden beds offer a controlled and efficient way to cultivate a variety of plants, making them an ideal option for gardeners with limited space or those looking to improve their gardening experience. By carefully planning, preparing, and tending to your raised beds, you can enjoy bountiful harvests season after season. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned green thumb, the raised bed gardening approach can simplify your gardening tasks and enhance your outdoor space.
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About Michelle In The Meadow
I'm growing on a 1/4 acre suburban lot. I started gardening here 4 years ago and am glad you are here.
We have more than 80 individual fruit trees and shrubs and more than a dozen different kinds of annuals growing on this property. The slopes make for some interesting ways to garden, but we're trying to make the best of it.
On the first Sunday evening of each month (7PM Eastern), I go live on YouTube sharing updates and answering your questions.
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