Why I Prefer Raised Bed Gardening
I much prefer raised bed gardens to having to dig into the hard ground. There are so many reasons why this is a great idea.
A raised bed ensures that you won’t accidentally walk on your new budding seedlings. And this also means you won’t tamp down the soil.
It is said that soil may heat up faster, thus improving germination of your seeds. Win, win!
Those with disabilities can garden, if the raised bed is built to the right specifications. Thus leaving no one out.
When trying to decide whether you want to garden in the ground or above ground, take into consideration what a beating your knees and back may take digging in the dirt. It may cost you a doctor’s visit as well!
Less chance for weeds makes me a happy camper.
If you put your raised bed on the dirt, I would remove all weeds and grass and then cover the ground with layers of newspaper.
Some plants, such as mint, spread rapidly and can get out of control. Putting them in containers helps slow down their spreading or even stops it.
It is wise to plant mint in a container away from your other plants, as the runners can go wild.
And then for those of us that don’t work with power tools and want to make it simple, there are kits.
This is the one I purchased from Gardener’s Supply, but have not put it together yet.
The 50 foot featherweight (which is all I need on the patio) coiled hose is $49.95 and you can find it here.
The easy squeeze spray nozzle is $14.95 and you can find it here.
Happy gardening!
I agree. I'm in my 30's and hurt like the dickens after bending over the last 3 days planting knock-out roses, transplanting daffodils and hauling mulch.
Raised bed gardens are wonderful for growing veggies and herbs. I had a lot of success with them last summer! Just don't let dogs or cats use them for their bathroom, as that is totally unsanitary for your edible plants. They will be unsafe to eat. I had to put those little bedding border fences around mine to keep my dogs out.
Some wonderful ideas in this post! Really looking forward to planting this spring. The easy grip sprayer is a must have for me. Thanks for the link.
Son just built the first raised bed…we won't plant until April or May as we have late freezes…
I love raised garden beds too. We have one in our back yard. It's full of weeds at the moment. Ha! I know you will enjoy using yours once the weather warms up and you can plant something. Sounds like your hose will be a well used item in your garden and on your patio plants too!
Hi Brenda-
I agree wholeheartedly. This year I have 5 beds that are all 5 feet wide and 10 feet long. The boards are all 10 inches high.
raised bed gardening has been so much fun since I retired from teaching 8 years ago.
I've built 3 so far that are very similar to the corrugated tin bed. Mine are 32" tall as I have a bad back. They work very well, have good drainage no matter if we get downpours, and no weeds. I love the blue color of the one you have.
I love raised beds, and they are the only thing that will work for growing vegetables and roses in my backyard. I used redwood. I love the style of the metal ones, but those would not work here, because it is too hot here and they would burn a person when leaning over. I love that they make patio versions for people in apartments and condos! I also like the look of your sprayer.
I am loving the look of those corrugated metal raised beds. Who would have thought? That's what I adore about blogs–I am constantly inspired! Thanks for all the great ideas, Brenda!
I love raised beds, Brenda. I had then in one of the houses I lived in and I absolutely loved them. xo Diana