Floral Feasts: Discover ten delectable blooms safe for consumption
In the world of gardening, raised garden beds have become a popular choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike. As we approach the summer season of 2017, let's take a look at some recommended products for building and maintaining these elevated gardening spaces.
Materials for Beds
When it comes to constructing raised garden beds, natural rot-resistant materials like untreated cedar and solid fir wood are highly recommended. These materials are not only durable but also safe for growing vegetables, as they are resistant to insects. Cedar, in particular, can last many years outdoors, while fir wood used in kits, like the Eden Pyramid Raised Garden Bed, is rot-resistant and can be stained or painted to customise the garden's appearance.
Metal raised beds, such as those by Vegga, are also used, but it's essential to pay attention to soil quality and drainage to avoid plant failure.
Soil and Mulch
A custom soil mix, composed of compost, vermiculite, and peat moss, is favoured for raised beds because it creates a rich, balanced medium ideal for vegetable gardening. Applying cardboard layers underneath and mulch such as wood chips on the paths between beds helps control weeds like Bermuda grass and provides a finished look. Wood chips also help prevent weed regrowth.
Watering Systems
For consistent and even watering at the plant root zone, drip irrigation and soaker hoses are recommended. These systems reduce water waste and are easy to automate with timers and rain sensors. Soaker hoses are simpler for beginners, while drip systems offer more configurability. Additionally, watering grids can be installed in raised beds for uniform watering and to facilitate square-foot gardening techniques.
Design Considerations
Practical bed dimensions, such as 4 feet wide by 8 feet long and about 11 inches deep, are recommended for ease of gardening without soil compaction from stepping inside beds. Creative designs, like the Eden Pyramid raised bed, allow stacking or separation into smaller units, which suits small spaces and multifunctional gardening.
In summary, when creating a raised garden bed, consider using rot-resistant wood (cedar or fir), high-quality soil blends with compost and aerators, drip or soaker irrigation systems, and mulch like wood chips. The Eden Pyramid kit and Vegga metal beds were notable products available by 2017 or shortly after.
Embracing sustainable living, incorporating a lifestyle that promotes home-and-garden practices such as gardening, one could opt for building raised garden beds. Utilizing eco-friendly materials like untreated cedar or solid fir wood, these beds can be personalized with custom stains or paints, as suggested by products like the Eden Pyramid Raised Garden Bed. Furthermore, adopting a lifestyle of sustainable gardening can extend to the choice of watering systems, such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses, which conserve water and help minimize waste.
