| A raised bed garden can be used for yards that have | | | | on the garden. The depth of the raised bed garden is |
| poor soil and drainage problems. The idea of a raised | | | | up to you but the deeper the better, especially if |
| bed is to build above ground, where you don't have | | | | you will be growing carrots or parsnips that need |
| to battle against poor soil and bad drainage. You also | | | | deeper soil. If you can try making your bed 12 inches |
| have total control over the soil texture, contents and | | | | deep! |
| drainage. | | | | Step Three |
| What is a Raised Bed Garden? | | | | The prepping of your site is very important. Once |
| A raised bed garden is a garden that is above ground | | | | you have the shape and size of your garden you will |
| and contained in an area with high sides. The | | | | begin building the bed. It's a good idea to dig out the |
| gardener walks between the beds and it is a very | | | | existing sod and loosen the soil below to a depth of |
| organized way to garden. It can be any depth you | | | | eight to twelve inches. This will give your garden |
| choose and can be used for virtually anything you | | | | extra depth and good drainage. If you want to move |
| wish to plant. Herbs grown in raised beds have an | | | | fast just cover the existing sod and soil with |
| advantage over in the ground growing for a few | | | | newspaper or cardboard. |
| reasons. | | | | Step Four |
| How to Make a Raised Bed Garden | | | | Now it's time to construct the bed. Use a lumber that |
| The most popular raised bed is the 'contained raised | | | | is rot-resistant such as cedar or one of the newer |
| garden bed'. They offer great growing condition for | | | | composite woods to construct your bed. Depending |
| many vegetable and herb gardens, as well as for | | | | on the size of the garden by 'two by six' pieces of |
| flower gardens. Also, many fruits such as | | | | wood that will be able to build the entire garden. Cut |
| strawberries, grapes and raspberries do well in raised | | | | your pieces to the desired length, then attach them |
| garden beds. | | | | together to make a simple frame. They are many |
| Since most raised beds are constructed from wood | | | | different ways to attach the wood but select one |
| we have created steps for a wooden raised bed. | | | | that is easy for you and will be able to hold up well |
| Step One | | | | for years of use. |
| Selecting a site is one of the most important | | | | Step Five |
| decisions you will make when creating a raised bed | | | | After constructing the frame in a location you desire |
| garden. Make sure to pick an area that will get full | | | | make sure to level your bed from all directions. This |
| sun since most vegetables need full sun. If you want | | | | is a necessary step because if your bed is not level, |
| to plant vegetables that need partial sun either | | | | you will have a situation where water runs off of |
| create another bed in a different location or find a | | | | one part of the garden and sits in another. If part of |
| location that will receive both full and partial sun. Also | | | | your frame is high, just remove some of the soil |
| make sure the area is flat so it will make it easy to | | | | beneath it until you have a level frame. |
| water and all areas will receive a constant and equal | | | | Step Six |
| amount of water. If you want to make watering | | | | After leveling it is time to fill your garden with soil and |
| easy try installing a drip irrigation system that will be | | | | compost. This will allow you to create a garden with |
| easy to use and keep your garden perfectly | | | | great soil that is ideal for the vegetables you choose |
| watered. | | | | to grow. Once they're filled and raked level, you're |
| Step Two | | | | ready to plant or sow seeds. |
| Decide the size and shape of your garden. Make sure | | | | Maintaining a Raised Bed Garden |
| you will be able to access all part of your garden | | | | Happily, raised bed gardens require very little |
| without stepping into the bed. Try keeping the | | | | maintenance. Each spring or fall, it's a good idea to |
| garden long and narrow which will allow you to | | | | top dress with fresh compost and manure, or, if your |
| access all your vegetables without actually stepping | | | | bed only holds plants for part of the year, go ahead |
| on the garden. This is good because your soil will not | | | | and dig the compost or manure into the top several |
| become compact from stepping all over it. This will | | | | inches of soil. As with any garden, mulching the top |
| give you carrots that will grow and grow as straight | | | | of the soil will help retain moisture and keep weeds |
| as an arrow. Remember accessibility is key and if you | | | | down. Moisture retention is important, because raised |
| decide to put your garden up against a fence try | | | | beds tend to drain faster than conventional beds. |
| making it only 3 feet wide so you don't have to step | | | | Find quality vegetable seeds at Urban Farmer Seeds. |