| There are as many ways to structure a garden as | | | | very little space. Elevated planting areas can even be |
| there are different types of gardens themselves. | | | | constructed on a small deck or patio area for |
| One form of gardening that is becoming more | | | | growing a collection of herbs, vegetables, or flowers. |
| popular is raised bed gardening. Raised bed gardening | | | | Cons: |
| consists of planting in elevated beds of soil, whether | | | | 1. Any tilling will probably have to be done by hand. |
| in large planter boxes, or even bigger areas you | | | | It's difficult to use tractors or rotary tillers in elevated |
| construct yourself. Raised bed gardening has many | | | | planting areas. |
| advantages, and a few disadvantages as well. A | | | | 2. The initial up front cost of constructing raised bed |
| review of the pros and cons can be helpful in | | | | gardens is more expensive than simply tilling a |
| deciding if this type of gardening is for you. | | | | traditional garden into your soil. However, kits can be |
| Pros: | | | | purchased online that make the construction process |
| 1. If you have poor soil, raised bed gardens allow you | | | | faster and easier. |
| to prepare your own rich mix of soil above ground | | | | 3. The edges or borders of the planting areas must |
| for growing your plants. | | | | be well reinforced during the initial construction, or |
| 2. Your gardening areas will be easier to access | | | | they may begin to break down over time, creating |
| because you won't have to bend over as much, thus | | | | and ongoing maintenance issue. |
| reducing fatigue and injury to the knees and back. | | | | 4. If you live in a very dry climate, raised beds will |
| 3. Raised beds are also ideal for elderly or disabled | | | | dry out faster and require more frequent watering. |
| gardeners who are unable to reach down to the | | | | On the other hand, if you live in a very moist climate, |
| ground, and they can be constructed at almost any | | | | your plants will be less susceptible to root rot from |
| height to meet the gardener's needs | | | | over watering. |
| 4. Plants are easy to keep organized. For example, | | | | 5. Elevated planting areas are not suitable to vining or |
| you can plant tomatoes in one elevated section and | | | | sprawling plants such as pumpkins, squash, |
| peppers in another. | | | | watermelons, or various climbing plants such as |
| 5. Dead leaves and other garden debris will be | | | | morning glory, clematis, or trumpet vine. |
| confined to their own area, helping you maintain a | | | | 6. The materials used for constructing raised bed |
| tidier look in your yard. | | | | gardens should be carefully considered. Treated |
| 6. You can prepare special beds of soil tailored to | | | | lumber or railroad ties soaked in creosote should not |
| various plants. For example, plants that need a highly | | | | be used. These chemicals will leak out into the soil |
| acidic soil can be grouped in one area, and you can | | | | over time, poisoning and killing your plants. |
| prepare the soil to the right pH specifically for their | | | | Putting in raised beds can be a big investment in time |
| needs. | | | | and money, but it will also pay you back in better |
| 7. In heavy rains, there is less chance of soil erosion. | | | | plants, more gardening room, and easier access to |
| 8. Rabbits, moles, and other garden pests are less | | | | your gardening areas. A careful evaluation of all the |
| likely to be able to access your plants. | | | | pros and cons will help you make the right decision |
| 9. Raised bed gardens are ideal for longer rooted | | | | for you and your yard. Whatever your decision, |
| crops such as carrots that need several inches to a | | | | careful planning is always the key to successful |
| foot of good quality soil. | | | | results in the garden. |
| 10. Raised bed gardening is a great option if you have | | | | |