| Building a raised bed garden is a great way of having | | | | your climate is dryer and hotter you will find that the |
| a garden somewhere that you may not normally be | | | | raised beds need more watering, but you will also find |
| able to have one. | | | | that any irrigation system you use can be placed in |
| So what is a raised bed garden? Well it is an area of | | | | such a way, as to minimize the amount of water |
| garden that is constructed on a terrace or other | | | | required. |
| raised position. They solve many problems that would | | | | Working on a raised bed can be a whole lot easier |
| otherwise stop you from having a garden area, such | | | | for people with certain health issues, such as bad |
| as poor drainage, poor soil quality or sloping, uneven | | | | back problems or joint problems. Generally they will |
| ground. | | | | not need to do as much bending and will not need to |
| They are a great idea in an uneven, hilly or sloped | | | | bend as low as if they they were working in a |
| area. You can build your garden by terracing into the | | | | conventional garden. |
| hill or slope, this will give you a planting area which is | | | | Dealing with garden pests can also be easier, as |
| level. Equally they are also ideal for low lying areas | | | | these areas can easily be protected with netting or |
| and areas that have poor drainage. | | | | fencing. |
| The type of soil that is naturally available in your area | | | | Building a raised bed garden need not be complicated |
| is also a consideration. If the soil in your area is of | | | | or difficult, but seeing as it will be around for a good |
| poor quality then by putting good quality soil in your | | | | few years it is worthwhile planning the construction |
| raised beds, you are able to cultivate plants that | | | | and layout clearly, before you start. |
| would otherwise not be able to grow in your garden. | | | | There are many kits around that will give you all you |
| A raised bed will drain and dry out more quickly than | | | | need to construct your garden, alternatively you can |
| a flat garden, this is good news if your climate is | | | | build your garden using existing materials such as |
| wet, as the better drainage will allow plant growth. If | | | | stone or timber. |