One of the biggest plusses of raised bed gardening
is the option of choosing a soil mix for growing
a successful garden. Choose a good quality top soil
ammended with compost or peat moss or some other organic
matter. The planting mix should drain well and be
easy to work with. It is best to loosen the soil
below the raised bed to a depth of six inches,
mixing the amended soil in the top two inches.
Install the framework and fill the bed. It is helpful
to get a soil test to determine fertility before
the seeds or transplants are planted.
Many rules of ordinary gardening don't apply to
raised bed gardening. No need to think in long
single file rows with wide spacing between rows.
In fact, forget the rows. Plant intensively,
in blocks, grouping the early vegetables together.
When that harvest is complete, pull the plants
and continue the season with green beans and squash.
A trellis can be installed to grow vining crops
up instead of sprawling out and taking up so much room.
Straw mulch, leaves or grass clippings can be used
to conserve moisture and keep the soil cool.
Raised bed gardening is a great way for today's
busy gardener to keep fresh food coming to the
table from the first cutting of lettuce in the
spring to the last tomato of the season.
A lot of good nutrition, exercise and reward
awaits the gardener tending the abundant harvests
enjoyed from raised bed gardening.
5 comments:
How far away from my house should a raised garden bed be?
Any suggestions on the best wayto grow bell peppers?
I garden successfully withing 15 feet on both the south and north sides of my house. Gardening on the east or west side means you are in the shade for half a day, not always the best gardening situation.
Bell peppers love heat, so don't try to start them in cool weather, or in a region where the soil does not warm up. keep moderately moist, fertilize with a liquid 15-30-15 or better yet, have a soil test done that indicates any fertility problems. Too much nitrogen can cause a large, lush plant with no fruit.
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