Gardening is made better and easier with the right tools on hand. For one, raised beds are your garden’s best friend. They are extremely versatile, helpful and maximizes your growing experience.
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Why Use Raised Beds?
Raised beds give you the opportunity to have better control of your garden. It ensures there’s no soil compaction from human feet, and prevents soil erosion. Moreover, these handy tools provide warmer soil for a longer season and retains more moisture especially when the soil is on the sandier side.
This gardening tool also welcomes a more aesthetically appealing garden. Whether you intend to buy or build a raised bed, it helps your garden look neater and more organized. Plus, it keeps those critters and back pains away.
Working with Raised Beds
Buying raised beds mustn’t be a daunting task. You only need to keep a few things in mind to get the best one for your garden. Here’s a short guide to help you.
1. Planning is key
It’s easy to get lost in a sea of raised beds available in the market. That’s why having a thorough plan is a pivotal step. First, measure how much space you have and how big or small a raised bed you can afford. Common sizes are four by four feet and eight by four feet. Of course, you have more versatility should you choose to build your own.
The next step is to consider what material you want your bed to be made of. Wood and concrete are often the top choices among gardeners. Furthermore, having a budget in mind keeps your expenses and expectations at bay.
The beauty of raised beds is you can put them anywhere. However, it still helps to know the specifics before you get one.
2. Choose the right soil
Planting directly on the ground without testing the soil is a real gamble you can spare yourself from. That’s why investing on the right soil to put in your raised beds is another key factor.
There are plenty of options to choose from. One that we highly suggest is to use a triple mix. You can go further by making your own with the right knowledge and guidance. Once you’ve put your soil in, be sure to rake the surface so it becomes even and smooth. Remove any rocks or debris.
3. Plant carefully
Whether or not you use raised beds, the rule remains the same: Plant carefully. Companion planting can make all the difference between a thriving garden and a barely surviving one. Moreover, keeping track of what you plant each time also helps you stay on your toes. For example, tomatoes love calcium rich soil. Once you decide you want to plant something else after harvest, treating it ready for the next seed is important.
It also helps to integrate yourself with raised beds carefully. If it’s your first time gardening and want to use them right away, start with herbs. Perennial ones like mint and thyme require little care and attention, making them very rewarding to grow.
Raised beds can elevate your experience as a gardener. To get you started, check out our very own line of raised beds.