In this video, I'm sharing 5 mistakes I made when I filled my metal raised garden beds. I'm also providing tips to help you avoid making the same mistakes, so you can fill your raised bed correctly the first time!
If you're planning on filling your metal raised garden bed, then be sure to watch this video!
I wanted comfort while gardening, so I purchased both a Birdies and a Vego tall, raised garden bed. My back thanked me!
To save money on soil, I employed the Hugelkultur method to fill the beds. The Hugelkultur method is an innovative and sustainable technique for filling raised beds that has gained popularity among gardeners. This method involves creating a raised bed by layering organic materials, such as logs, branches, twigs, leaves, and compostable materials, in a specific manner.
As time passed, the foundation of my raised beds shifted, and the outer structure of the beds pulled in! When someone asked, “are your beds caving in,” I knew I'd made an error.
In retrospect, here are the 5 things I would do differently:
5 Tips for Using the Hugelkultur Method for Filling a Raised Bed:
- Avoid logs touching support braces: Ensure that no logs come into contact with any of your support braces. It's important to prevent any bending or pressure on the braces caused by the logs.
- Layer long logs at the bottom: When building your raised bed, place long logs at the bottom. This creates a solid foundation and helps with moisture retention and aeration.
- Balance fill dirt and debris: Opt for more fill dirt and less debris when filling your raised bed. This ensures that the weight of the soil settles evenly and levels out the bed.
- Fill every spare area: Make sure to stuff every spare area in the raised bed. This helps create a firm and level foundation, preventing any sagging or unevenness in the bed.
- Amend the soil with additives: Instead of using a raised bed garden mix alone, consider adding amendments like Perlite to improve the soil structure. This prevents the soil from becoming overly compacted and hard like a rock, which can lead to drainage issues. If the soil becomes too hard, use a trench shovel to break it up and improve its texture.
By following these tips, you'll ensure a stable and well-prepared raised bed for your gardening endeavors. Happy gardening!
Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Birdies and Vego, so when you choose to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission which supports this channel and my family. Thank you!
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