Do you live in the city, have a small yard or have rocky soil full of clay? Any of these challenges could make you believe that planting a garden simply isn’t in the plans this year, but that doesn’t have to be the case. You just have to get a little more creative and turn to raised beds and planter boxes to enjoy the vegetables, herbs and flowers you desire. Some 78 million U.S. households grow gardens, according to the Garden Writers Association.
If you’ve never considered using a raised bed or planter box to garden before, these tools offer many advantages such as high yields, easy gardening and a longer overall gardening season. Before you get to work on this rewarding DIY project, though, ask yourself these questions:
• Where will I place my garden beds?
If you have a few options, look for the sunniest spot possible. While larger beds will have greater yields, they also require more work. It’s best to build your beds to match the gardening time you have available.
• What material should I use to build my beds?
There are many options; however, many gardeners choose untreated Western red cedar because it is naturally rot-resistant. It provides instant longevity without treatment. It is also affordable, lightweight and easy to work with — as well as sustainably harvested. You can get more information at www.realcedar.com.
• What’s the right size bed for my space?
As you plan your bed size, remember you’ll need to work in the space as well. The garden bed’s width can range from 2 to 4 feet, and the ideal length is 8 to 12 feet. Regardless of the dimensions, make sure your beds and planters are at least 6 inches deep; 12 inches is optimal for allowing the roots to grow deep and strong.
• Is my soil ready?
Before you start planting, make sure your soil is ready for success. Dig down 6 to 8 inches and loosen the soil. Then create a mixture of topsoil and organic material such as compost or manure.
As for planting, weeding and other gardening tasks, they all become easier with garden beds and planters because you will be working with a smaller space and won’t need to do as much bending. You may discover your garden dries out quickly in the sun; if this is the case, a layer of mulch can help the soil retain moisture. — brandpoint