Do you really need a raised bed garden? No, but…

 

Back in the day, most gardeners gardened in the good old-fashioned way by planting directly in the ground. It seemed like the right thing to do because we’d always done it that way, and others had, too. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that if it’s your choice.

But some of us have abandoned our past methods and adopted raised-bed gardening for our vegetable and ornamental plants. Why? Here’s why.

 

Weed control is less of a problem. Because we raised-bed gardeners usually buy soil and humus or produce our own compost, fewer weeds are imported than if native soil is used. This saves time, energy and frustration.

Watering is easier to control. Plants are usually grown closer together. There’s no wasted space. Consequently, irrigation is accurately directed where it’s needed. Less water is wasted irrigating spaces between rows normally found in traditional gardens. Whether or not you have a private well, this represents a significant savings.

Soil compaction is eliminated because you aren’t tromping through your raised beds.

Raised beds invite closer plant spacing, therefore producing higher yields in less space.

Soil in containers and raised-beds warms earlier in the season due to sun exposure on the sides, stays warm longer, and extends the growing seasons. When cold weather does arrive, it’s easier to protect plants with protective frost covering.

Because soil is confined in the containers, rainfall and irrigation waters don’t run off. Erosion is reduced.

You can adjust your garden soil to suit the needs of your crops in their assigned spaces. It’s easier to amend pH and nutrient levels as required, and native soil has less of an impact on your planting soil.

No more bone-jarring roto-tilling is required!

You can garden wherever you want. Would-be gardeners with limited space on a balcony or patio can still grow stuff and transform their environment into productive spaces.

Raised-bed gardeners don’t have to bend over so far to work. What’s more, gardening height can be adjusted to suit their needs. This is just the ticket for disabled persons and senior citizens

So, if you desire to plant a garden but feel that you don’t have the space or ability to do it, raised-bed gardening might be just right for you.

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