What Is the Advantage of a Raised Bed Garden?
Raised beds allow gardeners to raise plants in optimum conditions. Better soil and drainage and improved access to plants at a higher level are among the advantages of a garden bed built above ground level. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Improved Drainage
-
A raised garden bed naturally facilitates drainage of rain or irrigation water in soil by gravity.
Native Soil Avoidance
-
If native soils are infertile or soggy, a raised bed can create a small environment better suited for plant culture.
-
Ideal Soil
-
Soil placed in a raised bed can be composed of any blend of items, including aggregate, topsoil and organic matter. This can promote growth of different plant types if native soils are not ideal.
Access
-
People who have back or leg problems can benefit from a raised bed. They can sit on ledges to avoid kneeling or stooping and have easier access to reach plants.
Improved Viewing
-
Some weeping or sprawling plants that normally would not be seen if on the ground are better viewed in a raised bed. Fruits, like tomatoes, can be dangled without contact with wet soil.
Improved Yields
-
The better drainage, air circulation and soils used in raised beds usually lead to improved plant vigor, including more flowering and fruit production.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Seán A. O'Hara
