Raised Garden Beds

What Are Raised Garden Beds?

Raised garden beds, generally speaking, are planting beds that sit on top of the existing soil. They vary in height and can be made of many different materials. Garden boxes usually come with frames, but that is not a rule. There is usually some room left around each garden bed to allow walking by and also to keep the soil loose and fluffy instead of compacted. 

Benefits of Raised Bed Gardening

Raised gardens are great for growing small plots of vegetables, spicy herbs, and flowers. Garden boxes keep pathway weeds away from garden soil, prevent soil compaction and serve as a barrier to pests.

Furthermore, a raised vege garden provides good drainage, keeping valuable garden soil from eroding or washing away during the rainy season. On average, the soil is warmer and better drained when resting above ground level.

Raised garden beds make gardening more comfortable, reducing back strain.

Garden Beds Materials 

• Raw Wood

The best types of untreated wood for garden boxes are cedar, cypress, redwood, or oak, due to their rot-resistant properties. While it’s not the most affordable option around, such containers can last for many years in diverse conditions. Untreated pine is a cost-friendly, sustainable alternative with a somewhat shorter lifespan.

• Treated Wood

Treated wood has been infused with chemical elements for longevity and preservation. Some prefer to avoid it as a garden bed material, concerned with the possibility of chemicals leaching out into the soil, which can happen in small volume boxes and moist conditions.

• Composite Wood

A mix of recycled materials can last for years. However, there hasn’t been much research on its pros and cons for use in close proximity to edibles. 

Height of Raised Garden Bed 

The average height for raised garden beds is around 30 cm or a height of two regular wooden boards. It’s ideal for providing adequate drainage for most crops. However, some plants require a minimum of 45 cm of soil depth. To secure success, veggie garden boxes or a flower bed should be placed over an additional 15-30 cm layer of soil.

Another essential factor in choosing the ideal height for a raised garden bed is the amount of bending a gardener is prepared to do. 

What Can Be Planted in Raised Garden Beds

Garden boxes can grow almost all types of vegetables the gardener would like to eat. Everything from lettuce to cherry tomatoes, carrots, onions and potatoes can fit into a raised vegetable garden. 

Even some watermelons can grow in a vegetable planter box, as long as available space is sustainably used, and each plant's growth habit taken into consideration.

Irrigation Tips for Garden Beds

There are multiple ways to water a raised bed, each with its own set of pros and cons.

Drip irrigation is a system of hoses with holes that allow water to drip out slowly. It’s precise and affordable but requires some efforts to install. 

Soaker hose leaks or soaks water out along its entire length. It requires less work to install than a drip irrigation system. 

Sprinklers feature holes that spray water through the air. It can cover broad areas. 

Wicking implies filling a porous reservoir under the soil. It slowly releases water into the ground. While very precise, it is less affordable than other options and requires a lot of work for a proper set-up. 

If you need help to find the best kind of raised garden beds, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.