How to Build a Raised Bed Garden

First let's explore what a raised bed garden is and the benefits of using this method of gardening. This type of gardening was common during colonial times. They are ideal for city dwellers or anyone that has only a small space to devote to a garden. It is also for anyone who just want to raise fresh vegetable for home use. A raised bed garden simply means the garden soil is above ground level.

A raised bed garden should be no more that 4feet wide. Remember you will not walk in it so you will need to be able to reach at least half way across to weed etc. It can be as long as you have space. Choose a space were it will receive 8 hours of sun a day. Bed should be made out of pressure treated lumber, redwood, cement block or brick. Avoid using creosote or pentachlorophenol-treated lumber. Note: cement block will raise the PH of soil over time and lime may be needed. Bed should be raised 2feet or more. This will allow home owners that have low spots in there lawn to use this space and still avoid ponding in the garden. Benches can be placed along the garden for ease of working. Choose a rich soil medium to fill your garden. If burrowing rodent are present lay chicken wire down before filling bed. You can also place food in other area of yard to discouraged groundhogs and rabbits.

Some of the benefits of this type garden. Cover with clear plastic to use as a hot box, start plants much earlier or use longer in fall. You will also be able to have plants much closer together and increase production. In normal garden the yield avg is .6 pounds of vegetables per square foot, in a raised bed it is 1.24 pounds more than double.