Raised Bed Gardens - Pros and Cons
Gardening - we all know the benefits. It’s a great way to produce your own food, feed your family, and get some much-needed exercise.
For those who don't have a lot of space, raised bed gardens can be a great option. They can be used by both rural farmowners and city dwellers alike.
And with the right type of garden bed, you can tailor the size to the amount of space you have to work with. They can be used to grow just about anything, from flowers to herbs to fruits.
Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of raised bed gardening. Disclaimer - there aren’t a lot of cons!
**J&R Pierce Family Farm is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to allow sites to earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. I often link to Amazon when recommending certain products, and if you choose to purchase, I may earn a small percentage of the sale. It costs you nothing extra, and all recommended products are ones that I personally vouch for. This post is a sponsored post as part of our relationship with Olle Gardens, a company specializing in durable raised garden bed planters for home use. Check them out! **
Are Raised Garden Beds Worth It?
While traditional gardens can be lovely, they often require a lot of space and can be quite labor-intensive. Raised bed gardens offer a great alternative, and they come with a number of benefits:
Raised beds take up less space than traditional gardens, so they are ideal for small yards or patios.
They also tend to be easier to maintain, as the soil is less likely to become compacted and there is no need to till the ground each year.
The soil warms up faster in the spring, making it possible to get a jumpstart on the growing season.
Raised beds make it possible for gardneers to choose the perfect location for their plants, whether that menas full sun aprtail shade, or anything in between.
Raised beds can deter pests, making it harder for animals to reach the plants.
They make it easier to tend the garden, since they can be erected at waist-level or with walking paths in between.
Raised beds can be customized to meet the specific needs of your plants. By adding extra compost or topsoil, you can create the perfect environment for your flowers or vegetables to thrive.
So whether you are short on space or simply looking for a low-maintenance option, raised bed gardening is definitely worth considering.
Think building a raised garden bed is out of the question? Think again! Believe it or not, you don’t even need much in the way of construction skills to build your own raised garden beds.
Here’s a quick video that will show you how to build a raised garden bed quick and easy:
Benefits of Raised Bed Gardens
One of the biggest decisions you'll have to make as a gardener is whether to grow your plants in raised beds or in the ground. There's no right answer, but understanding the benefits of raised bed gardens is your first step toward a rewarding gardening journey.
Let’s take a closer look.
Less Weeding
Weeding can be one of the most tedious parts of gardening. If you have a raised bed garden, you will have less weeding to do because the garden beds are elevated off the ground. This means that there is less area for weeds to take root. As a result, you'll spend less time weeding and more time enjoying your garden.
Increased Drainage
Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of plant death. Raised bed gardens have increased drainage because they are elevated off the ground. This means that water will drain away from the roots of your plants, resulting in healthier plants overall. In addition, increased drainage means that you won't have to water as often.
Warmer Soil Earlier and Longer in the Soil
One of the biggest advantages of raised garden beds is that the soil warms up earlier in the season. This is due to the exposed sides of the bed absorbing heat from the sun. This warmth then radiates down into the soil, resulting in warmer soil temperatures.
This is great news for gardeners who want to get a jump-start on the growing season. Not only does this mean you can plant earlier, but your plants will also experience less stress as they acclimate to their new environment.
In addition, raised garden beds retain heat longer than traditional gardens. This is due to the fact that there is less surface area for heat to escape. As a result, you can extend your growing season by several weeks, giving you more time to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce.
Less Soil Compaction
Another advantage of raised garden beds is that they help reduce soil compaction. Soil compaction occurs when the particles in the soil are packed together tightly, making it difficult for air and water to penetrate. This can be a big problem for gardeners because it can lead to unhealthy plants and decreased yields.
However, because raised garden beds are typically only 3-4 feet wide, there is no need for tilling or walking on the soil, which helps reduce compaction.
More Growing Space
Raised garden beds also give you more growing space than traditional gardens. This is due to the fact that they are typically planted in rows with wide pathways between them.
As a result, you can fit more plants into a smaller area because they are not competing with weeds or other plants for space and resources. In addition, because there are no walkways in between the plants, you can make better use of vertical space by training vining crops up trellises or cages.
Better Water Retention for Sandy Soils
If you have sandy soil, you know how difficult it can be to keep your plants watered. Sand does not hold onto water well, so it tends to drain quickly, leaving your plants thirsty. Raised garden beds can help with this problem by creating a microclimate that encourages water retention.
When planting in raised beds, make sure to add organic matter such as compost or manure to help improve water retention even further. You may also want to consider using mulch around your plants to help slow evaporation and keep moisture in the soil longer.
Fewer Pest Problems
Pests can be a big problem for gardeners because they can damage plants and reduce yields.
One way to help deter pests is by using raised garden beds because they tend to be easier to protect than traditional gardens.
For example, if you live in an area with deer, simply enclose your bed with chicken wire or another type of fencing material to keep them out. You can also use floating row covers or cloths draped over your plants to protect them from pests such as aphids or cabbage loopers. In addition, because raised beds are easier to access, it’s simpler to spot problems early and take corrective action before extensive damage occurs
Less Erosion
One of the main benefits of raised garden beds is that they help with erosion control. When rainwater falls on bare soil, it can cause the soil to erode and wash away. This is especially true if the soil is loose or sandy.
Raised garden beds help to mitigate this problem by keeping the soil in place. The soil in a raised bed is also less likely to become compacted, which can happen when waterlogged soil is stepped on by humans or animals. This allows oxygen and nutrients to reach the roots of your plants more easily, resulting in healthier plants.
Choice of Placement
Another benefit of raised garden beds is that they give you more control over the placement of your plants. If you have lawn space that gets a lot of sun, you can put your raised bed there and be assured that your plants will get the sunlight they need. You can also put them in a spot that's convenient for you so that you don't have to walk too far to tend to your plants.
What Are Three Mistakes to Avoid When Gardening With Raised Beds?
While raised bed gardens offer plenty of benefits to gardeners, there are some missteps you can make. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to avoid. Here’s how.
1. Buying Storebought Soil to Fill the Bed
Many people make the mistake of just digging soil from the ground in their yards and putting it in their raised beds.
The mistake?
This soil often isn’t well-suited for growing, and without amendments like compost, it won’t be the best at producing a good yield for you. There are some cases in which existing soil is fine for gardening, but it will need to be tilled, mulched, and irrigated
The alternative is to buy bagged soil at your local garden supply store, but this can be cost-prohibitive.
My solution to growing in a raised garden bed with minimal start-up costs? Design your raised bed in the hugelkultur style. To do this, you’ll layer organic matter like rotting logs, cardboard, wool, leaves, grass clippings, and compost to create your own mini-compost pile within the raised bed. You can do this at any time, but I recommend doing it the autumn before you intend to plant so things have time to break down.
2. Not Watering Often Enough
One of the most common mistakes people make when gardening in raised beds is not watering enough. Without enough water, plants can't grow properly and may even die. The key to avoiding this mistake is to water regularly and deeply.
Ideally, you should water your raised bed garden every day, giving the plants a good soaking. If this isn't possible, then water twice a week and make sure to give the plants a deep soaking.
Another option is to install a drip irrigation system, which will ensure that your plants always have adequate moisture.
Watering deeply means giving the plants enough water so that it reaches the roots. This can be done by using a watering can or hose with a sprinkler attachment. Watering regularly means doing it on a schedule, such as once a week or every other day.
3. Planting a Permanent Bed
A common mistake people make when gardening with raised bed gardens is planting a permanent bed that’s cumbersome and nearly impossible to move. If your garden plans change or you just don’t want to grow in a certain location anymore, that can be troublesome.
You can avoid this by planting a lightweight, easy-to-assemble garden bed like those made by Olle Gardens.
With a permanent bed, you are essentially putting all your eggs in one basket - if something happens to your garden, you're stuck with it. A lightweight, easy to assemble garden bed is a much better option, as it can be easily moved or taken apart if necessary.
Additionally, Olle Gardens' beds are made from high-quality materials that will last for years, meaning you won't have to replace them as often.
What Grows Best in a Raised Bed Garden?
One of the great things about raised bed gardens is that you can control the type of soil mix that you use. This is perfect for plants that prefer a certain type of soil, such as herbs like lavender or rosemary.
You can also use raised beds to create a microclimate for plants that need extra warmth or protection from the wind. For example, if you live in an area with cold winters, you could grow delicate plants like tomatoes in a raised bed outdoors and then move them indoors when the weather gets cooler.
Essentially, you can grow just about anything in a raised bed garden, but some of my favorite plants include:
Leafy greens like spinach and kale
Herbs (like parsley, basil, and mint)
Broccoli and cauliflower
Plants that need loose, well-draining soil, like sweet potatoes or onions
How Long Will a Raised Garden Bed Last?
Any garden bed will slowly succumb to the elements, but with proper care, a raised garden bed can last for years.
The key is to select a raised bed made out of durable materials. Pressure-treated wood is a good choice, but then you have to worry about chemicals from the pressure treatment leaching into your soil. You can also use a rot-resistant wood like cedar, but this, too, will eventually rust.
I prefer a metal raised bed when possible - like the Olle Gardens galvanized planter.
This planter is made out of galvanized steel coated with Aluzinc, a zinc-aluminum alloy that resists rust and is incredibly durable, meaning it will last for years even with exposure to the elements.
The finish helps to resist scratches and fading, so your raised garden bed will always look like new. With proper care, a raised garden bed made out of high quality materials can last for years, making it a great investment for any gardener. You just need to choose the right one!
Is it Cheaper to Buy or Build a Raised Garden Bed?
For the green thumbed among us, raised garden beds are a great way to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers. But for those of us who are less experienced in gardening, the question remains - is it cheaper to buy or build a raised garden bed?
There are pros and cons to both options.
If you choose to buy a raised garden bed, you will save yourself the time and effort of building one from scratch. However, premade raised beds can be expensive, and you may not be able to find one that fits your specific needs.
If you decide to build your own raised garden bed, you will have more control over the size and shape of the bed, as well as the material that you use.
But building a raised garden bed from scratch can be time-consuming and requires some basic carpentry skills.
So which option is cheaper in the long run? It depends. If you have the time and skills to build your own raised garden bed, it will usually be cheaper to do so. However, if you want to get started growing veggies as quickly and easily as possible, buying a premade kit like the Olle Gardens planter may be the better option for you.
Tips for Raised Bed Gardening
If you're thinking about starting a raised bed garden, here are a few tips to get you started.
How Deep Should a Raised Bed Garden Be?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the type of plants you want to grow and the amount of space you have available. In general, most plants need at least six inches of soil in order to thrive.
However, some plants, such as tomatoes and potatoes, need a deeper root system and require at least 12 inches of soil. If you are limited on space, you can always choose to grow plants that don't require as much depth. Herbs, for example, only need a few inches of soil to grow.
How to Fill a Tall Raised Garden Bed
It can be tricky to fill a tall raised garden bed, but there are a few tricks that can make the process easier. If you have a lot of material to fill the bed, it's best to do it in stages.
Start by filling the bottom of the bed with a layer of lightweight material such as straw or newspaper. This will help to reduce the amount of soil needed to fill the bed, and it will also help to prevent weeds from taking root.
Once you've added the lightweight layer, start filling the bed with soil, working your way up from the bottom. If you have any large stones or other debris, be sure to remove them before adding the soil.
Once you've reached the top of the bed, level off the soil and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. With a little bit of effort, you can easily fill a tall raised garden bed and get it ready for planting.
What to Put on Bottom of Raised Garden Bed
One important decision is what you will put on the bottom of your raised garden bed. This is important because it will affect the drainage and aeration of the soil, as well as the root growth of your plants.
There are a few different options to choose from, including lava rocks, gravel, and meshes. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to do some research before making a decision.
Lava rocks, for example, are very lightweight and easy to work with, but they can break down over time and clog up drainage systems. They can also be costly.
Gravel is another popular option, but it can be difficult to keep in place and may not provide enough aeration for roots.
Meshes are a great option for aeration and drainage, but they can be expensive and difficult to install.
Again, I recommend the hugelkultur method. Simply layer compostable materials and you’ll have a well-drainign raised bed that is fertile and easy to plant into.
How Much Space Between Raised Beds
When it comes to raised garden beds, the question of how much space to leave between them is largely a matter of personal preference. Some gardeners prefer to plant their beds close together, creating a dense and lush garden, while others prefer to leave more space between the beds, allowing for easier movement and more room for plants to spread out.
The amount of space you'll need depends on the type of plants you're growing and the size of your beds. If you're growing large plants, such as tomatoes or squash, you'll need more space than if you're growing smaller plants, such as herbs or lettuce. In general, it's best to err on the side of too much space rather than too little.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the correct spacing for your raised beds is to experiment and see what works best in your own garden. Start with a small bed and leave enough space between it and the next bed so that you can comfortably walk around it. Then, try planting a few different types of plants in each bed and see how they do. Once you have a feel for what works well in your space, you can adjust the spacing of your beds accordingly.
Add Raised Beds Layers
By adding layers of organic matter, you can ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to thrive. You can also add irrigation systems to raised garden beds, which can save you time and effort when it comes to watering your plants.
How to Plant Raised Garden Bed
Start by choosing a location for your bed. You will need a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Build or assemble your raised bed. Make sure you mark out the planting location ahead of time (and have an idea of what you want to plant) to make sure you’re in the right location.
Now, you will need to prepare the soil. Add some organic matter, such as compost or manure, to the native soil to improve drainage and fertility. Mix the soil thoroughly before planting. Consider performing a soil test before you plant to make sure everything is up to snuff.
When you are ready to plant, choose plants that are well-suited for growing in containers. Be sure to water regularly and fertilize according to the needs of your plants. That’s all there is to it! Really, planting in a raised garden bed is no different than planting directly in the ground.
Inexpensive Raised Garden Bed Ideas
While raised garden beds can be purchased premade, they're also easy to DIY on the cheap. Pallets can be upcycled into raised garden beds with a little bit of work, and cinder blocks or wood logs can also be used to create walls for your bed. If you're feeling creative, you could even use recycled tires to create a sturdy and eco-friendly raised bed.
That said, building your own raised garden bed takes time and energy - and a bit of carpentry skills. If you want to save time and money, I recommend checking out these raised beds from Olle Gardens. They’re affordable and come together quickly with zero tools or technical knowledge required. They’re great for urban gardeners or those who just don’t have much time to waste.
Whatever you choose, rest easy knowing that raised garden beds are some of the best ways to maximize productivity and yields in your garden.
Get that green thumb working - and start planting!
What tips do you have for planting in a raised garden bed? Be sure to let me know in the comments!
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