How to Garden in Raised Boxes
Raised boxes make an excellent garden. These boxes make gardening easier for those with physical disabilities. Raised boxes reduce the time spent weeding. Plants grow better in raised boxes because the soil remains loose. Properly constructed boxes will allow for good drainage. The soil inside a raised box can be tailored to the specific plants that are growing in them. This allows for higher yields in a smaller space than in traditional gardening. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gravel
- Compost
- Hand shovel
- Garden plants
- Watering can
- Corrugated plastic panels
Instructions
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Plant a Raised Box Garden
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1
Check the box to be sure there are drainage holes. Add a small layer of gravel for optimal drainage.
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2
Fill the raised box with compost to within 2 inches of the top. Water well. Add more compost to bring the level in the raised box back to the proper level.
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3
Mark the placement of each of the transplants in the raised garden box with the tip of the hand shovel. Allow for at least 1 square foot of space for each vegetable plant. Nine square inches is ample space for most herbs and flowers.
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4
Remove the garden plants from their pots by gently tapping on the bottom of the container with a shovel or use your hand. Use the hand shovel to break up the root ball. Pull or break off any damaged or rotting roots.
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5
Dig a hole large enough for the garden transplants to fit into easily. The dirt surrounding the garden plants should be at the same height as the compost in the raised box.
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6
Press the soil around the transplants to secure them. Water gently, taking care not to damage the transplanted garden plant. Add more compost around each plant as mulch.
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7
Add plant food or fertilizer once a month. Fish emulsion is a good choice for plants grown in raised boxes as it is all natural.
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8
Cover the raised boxes with corrugated plastic panels to extend the growing season. Raised boxes can be turned into a cold frame with the addition of plastic panels. This will protect tender plants from early frosts. Cool weather vegetables like peas and greens can be grown well into winter when grown this way.
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Tips & Warnings
Gardeners in warm climates will not need a cold frame.
Plastic sheeting can be used instead of plastic panels.
