If you’re interested in raised bed gardening, this article should interest you. Doug discusses 5 different methods of raised bed gardening. First, he discusses the advantages of raised bed gardening. I would add one additional reason: If you’re in an area of generally bad soil, some types of raised bed gardening will allow you to control the soil that you use.
From Doug:
“Raised garden beds boost vegetables above potentially waterlogged grounds. Not every gardener deals with a high water table, but there are other good reasons to plant in raised beds:
- They are easier to keep free of encroaching grass than ground-level beds.
- Elevated soil warms earlier in spring and drains more quickly after a rain.
- Soil doesn’t become compacted because you don’t step on the growing area.
- Raised beds offer easier access for planting, thinning, weeding, and harvest.”
He then goes on to discuss 5 different methods of raised bed gardening. He focuses on 4′ x 8′ garden beds, but you can adjust up or down. I won’t give away the different methods, but they’re all very workable. Click on the 5 Raised Garden Beds You can Build in Half a Day link below to see all 5 ideas.
5 Raised Garden Beds You Can Build In Half a Day
HERE’S ANOTHER OPTION I REALLY LIKE
The other method I like combines raised bed gardening with container gardening. These are large planter boxes that can be waist-high (or as high or low as you’d like). Some have legs and you place them where you want them before lining the box, filling with soil and planting. Others have wheels, so you can move them around more easily. I think these are ideal for people who have back issues or for older people. They’re also great for people who have smaller space gardens with lighting constraints and want to move the planter during the day to maximize sun exposure. You can make or buy raised bed planters.
The raised bed planter below is an example of this type of raised bed container garden. If they put wheels on it, it would be ideal.
Click on the Waist High Planter Box link below to see complete instructions on how to build this planter .