make a raised bed garden
why you should do it
Raised garden beds (also called garden boxes) are great for growing small plots of veggies and flowers. They keep pathway weeds from your garden soil, prevent soil compaction, provide good drainage, and serve as a barrier to pests such as slugs and snails. They can also get warmer quicker, extending your grow season. They're also easier to maintain without getting on your knees in the dirt. If you have poor (or nonexistant) soil, raised beds can be an easier way to start growing.
how you can do it
- You can buy or build raised beds, based on your budget and needs. Raised garden beds can be a close to the ground or around stomach height for easy gardening.
- It’s best if the long side of the bed faces south. This assures equal light exposure to all the plants growing in the bed. Also, make sure your bed is level!
- Add any planned soil amendments, such as peat, compost or lime, and spread the soil evenly across the bed. Water the bed with an even, fine spray. This will settle the soil; add more soil to “top off”. Rake the bed once more to even out the soil and you’re ready to plant.
- Garden to your heart's content!