How to Start a Raised Garden Bed: Essential Supplies, Tips & Plants

Introduction

Raised garden beds are a great way to grow your own vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Not only do they provide better drainage and aeration for the soil, but raised garden beds also require fewer weeds and less maintenance than in-ground gardens. Plus, they’re a great way to enhance your outdoor space. If you’re ready to build your own raised garden bed, here’s what you need to know.

Overview of Benefits of Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds offer many advantages to gardeners. According to a study by the University of Minnesota Extension, raised garden beds increase crop yields and reduce water loss due to their improved soil structure. Additionally, raised garden beds are easier to maintain since they are more accessible and require less bending over for weeding and harvesting. Finally, raised garden beds don’t require as much space as traditional in-ground gardens, so you can easily enjoy gardening in even the smallest of yards.

Outline of Article

This article will cover the steps to building a raised garden bed, the essential supplies needed for a raised garden bed, tips on where to place a raised garden bed, the best soil for a raised garden bed, and plants that thrive in raised garden beds.

Steps to Building a Raised Garden Bed

Building a raised garden bed is an easy DIY project that can be completed in a few hours. Here are the steps to get started.

Select the Size and Shape of Your Garden Bed

When selecting the size and shape of your garden bed, consider how much space you have available and how much produce you want to grow. In general, raised garden beds should be no more than four feet wide so you can reach the center from either side. As for length, it’s up to you. You can make your raised garden bed as long as you want, just keep in mind that it will be harder to manage if it’s too big.

Gather Supplies and Tools Needed

Once you’ve determined the size and shape of your raised garden bed, it’s time to gather the supplies and tools needed. Most of the supplies can be found at your local hardware store, including wood, soil, fencing, and landscaping fabric. For tools, you’ll need a saw, drill, screws, and a hammer.

Create the Frame

Now it’s time to construct the frame for your raised garden bed. Using the wood and screws, assemble the frame according to the size and shape of your garden bed. Make sure all the corners are square and the sides are level. Once the frame is assembled, use the drill and screws to attach the fencing to the inside of the frame.

Prepare the Soil and Fill the Bed

Before filling the bed with soil, lay down landscaping fabric on the bottom of the frame. This will help prevent weeds from growing in the soil. Now it’s time to fill the bed with soil. Use a combination of topsoil, compost, and other organic matter to create nutrient-rich soil. Once the bed is filled, give it a good watering and let it sit for a few days before planting.

Essential Supplies Needed for a Raised Garden Bed

In order to build a successful raised garden bed, you’ll need the following supplies:

Wood

You’ll need wood to construct the frame of your raised garden bed. The most common type of wood used for raised garden beds is cedar because it is durable and rot-resistant. However, any type of wood will work, just make sure it is untreated and free of chemicals.

Soil

The soil is one of the most important components of a successful raised garden bed. It should be rich in organic matter and full of nutrients to help your plants grow. You can purchase pre-made raised bed soil or mix your own using topsoil, compost, and other organic matter.

Fencing

Fencing is not required for a raised garden bed, but it can help keep animals and pests away from your plants. You can use chicken wire, plastic netting, or metal fencing to line the inside of your raised garden bed.

Landscaping Fabric

Landscaping fabric is a must for any raised garden bed. It helps prevent weed growth and keeps the soil from washing away. Be sure to use a heavy-duty fabric that won’t break down over time.

Tips on Where to Place a Raised Garden Bed

When deciding where to place your raised garden bed, there are a few things to consider:

Consider Sunlight

Your plants need plenty of sunlight to grow, so choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If you have limited space, consider building multiple smaller raised garden beds so you can move them around to follow the sun.

Choose an Accessible Location

Choose a location that is easily accessible so you can easily tend to your plants. You don’t want to have to climb over furniture or squeeze through tight spaces to get to your garden bed.

Ensure Proper Drainage

Make sure the location you choose has proper drainage. If your garden bed is in a low-lying area, consider building a raised platform to ensure proper drainage.

Best Soil for a Raised Garden Bed

The best soil for a raised garden bed is one that is rich in organic matter and full of nutrients. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right soil for your raised garden bed:

Types of Soil

There are two main types of soil: sandy and clay. Sandy soil is light and drains quickly, while clay soil is dense and holds moisture longer. Depending on the type of plants you’re growing, you may need to adjust the soil mixture to suit their needs.

Nutrient Rich Soil

No matter which type of soil you choose, it’s important to make sure it is nutrient rich. Add compost, manure, and other organic matter to the soil to ensure your plants have the nutrients they need to thrive. A soil test can help you determine the nutrient levels of your soil.

Plants That Thrive in Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds are perfect for growing a variety of plants, including herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Here are some of the best plants for raised garden beds:

Herbs

Herbs are a great choice for raised garden beds because they don’t take up a lot of space and they’re easy to care for. Some of the most popular herbs for raised garden beds include basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, and mint.

Vegetables

Raised garden beds are ideal for growing vegetables because they provide better drainage and aeration for the soil. Popular vegetables for raised garden beds include tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, and cucumbers.

Flowers

Raised garden beds are also great for growing flowers. Choose flowers that are suited for your climate and soil type. Some of the most popular flowers for raised garden beds include daisies, sunflowers, roses, and marigolds.

Conclusion

Raised garden beds are an excellent way to grow your own vegetables, herbs, and flowers. They provide better drainage and aeration for the soil, require less maintenance than in-ground gardens, and don’t require as much space. To get started, you’ll need to select the size and shape of your garden bed, gather the supplies and tools needed, create the frame, prepare the soil, and fill the bed. When choosing the soil, look for one that is rich in organic matter and full of nutrients. Finally, choose plants that are suited for your climate and soil type. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to growing a successful raised garden bed.