What Are the Benefits of Raised Beds?

Raised beds are custom-built planters that are no wider than four feet across. The soil in the raised bed is higher than the surrounding soil.

Significance

Raised beds are more productive than a normal row garden. Ideal soil in the raised bed increases the soil fertility. Without the need for pathways, there is more space to plant more of your crops closer together

Benefits

The soil stays loose with plenty of room for roots to grow in a raised bed. Closer planting makes it difficult for weeds to thrive.

Features

Raised beds give you the chance to correct physical and chemical problems in the soil. Soil improvements done in a raised bed stay in the soil in the raised bed. Drainage issues are not a problem because water drains quickly.

Prevention/Solution

A raised bed makes it easier to control pests that attack your garden. Burrowing rodents can be headed off by lining the bottom of the raised bed with chicken wire. Rabbit and groundhogs are discouraged with a low fence surrounding the bed.

Warning

Do not create a raised bed using creosote or pentachlorophenol-treated lumber. The toxic chemicals, including herbicides, used to treat this type of wood leeches into the soil and harms your plants.

References

• The Practical Gardener's Encyclopedia; Geoffrey Burnie; 2000
• The Ohio State University Extension: Raised Bed Gardening