United by the Power of Natural Elements
=======================================================================================================
Published on June 7, 2020 by Greg Seaman
In the pursuit of a thriving garden, combining the structural benefits of L-shaped raised beds with the ecological and nutrient advantages of composting and organic fertilization can lead to a sustainable, productive garden. Here's a guide to help you get started.
Selecting and Assembling L-Shaped Raised Beds
Choose durable, rot-resistant materials such as kiln-dried cedar for your raised beds, which naturally resist decay and provide sturdiness. Position the beds in a flat, level corner or arrange them in pairs to enclose a garden area efficiently. Assembly can often be tool-free, and allowing the wood to acclimate indoors before assembly helps prevent warping or gapping. The open-bottom design allows plant roots to extend into the ground soil, enhancing nutrient and microbial access.
Design Benefits
L-shaped beds maximize corner spaces and create an ergonomic gardening area that surrounds you, making planting, watering, and harvesting more convenient. Some kits offer wide trim doubles as seating for garden comfort, encouraging longer, more enjoyable gardening sessions.
Incorporating Composters
Place compost bins near or inside the enclosed area formed by your L-shaped beds for easy access. Regularly add kitchen scraps, yard waste, and organic matter to your composter to create rich, homemade compost that improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content.
Using Organic Fertilizers
Apply organic fertilizers like compost, worm castings, fish emulsion, or well-aged manure to your raised beds for nutrient-rich, chemical-free feeding. These enhance soil life and provide slow-release nutrients vital for healthy plant growth.
Soil Preparation
Before planting, fill the raised beds with a balanced mix of topsoil, compost, and organic matter to create a fertile growing medium.
Maintenance Tips
Regularly monitor soil moisture, mulch beds to conserve water and suppress weeds, and rotate crops seasonally to maintain soil health.
Customization and Durability
For longer life and aesthetic flexibility, consider composite materials like wood chip/concrete mixes, which can last 20-25 years and resist weathering, reducing maintenance. Painting or treating wood (e.g., with non-toxic, garden-safe stains) can enhance durability and design integration.
Products Discussed
- Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds
- Jora JK270 Composter (9.5 cubic feet capacity)
- Corn Gluten Organic Fertilizer (40-pound bag)
- Worm Factory 360 Composter (9.5 cubic feet capacity)
- Stainless Steel Compost Keeper
- Farmstead Raised Garden Bed (made of natural wood)
- Natural Cedar Raised Garden Beds
- Wildflower Farms Eco-Lawn Grass Seed (5-pound bag)
- Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose (slim 7/16" hose)
- VegTrug Raised Garden Planter (made of natural wood)
By following these steps, you can create a sustainable garden that thrives with the help of L-shaped raised beds, composters, and organic fertilizers. Happy gardening!
- Adopting sustainable living in gardening could involve organizing family activities around the home-and-garden, such as maintaining L-shaped raised beds made from kiln-dried cedar, incorporating composters like the Jora JK270 Composter for the creation of homemade compost, and applying organic fertilizers like worm castings and fish emulsion.
- Embarking on a lifestyle that includes home-and-garden pursuits, such as nurturing L-shaped raised beds, can provide a family with enjoyable activities while promoting sustainable living, as well as creating an attractive and productive garden area, with the help of composters and organic fertilizers.
