Factors Affecting Raised Bed Gardening

Factors affecting Raised bed gardening are important if you are interested in this type of gardening. Raised bed gardening can be an amazing hobby and with the proper support, you can have great success. Many people are enticed to try their hand at it without giving it much thought but if you are new to this type of gardening, then you should ask yourself the following questions. First, what are the different factors affecting raised bed gardening?

1. Soil

Raised bed gardens don’t use the soil the way other plants are used. Instead, the soil is firm and well rotted before planting. If the soil is too heavy or is compacted, then the plants will have a hard time gaining the width they need to be successful.

1.1 Type of Soil

The soil should be firm, well rotted and ready for cultivation before you even begin planting. For raised beds, the plants are usually planted on top of the soil. They don’t have to be directly over the soil surface or directly over the gravel as you would with a traditional garden bed. You can create an open area with gravel next to the plants or on the side of the bed.

1.2 pH of Soil

Is the soil acid or alkaline? You don’t want to add any lime or magnesium for that reason. These elements will break down the soil and cause it to become acidic or alkaline. If the soil is too acidic or too alkaline, it will not be able to sustain life. So, it’s important that you maintain the pH of the soil at around 6.5.

2. Sunlight

Sunlight is one essential factor that affects the growth of any plant. If you live in an area that gets less sunlight than what is needed for your plants, you might want to consider planting in a raised bed. Otherwise, you’ll be sacrificing a few precious hours of sun each week to your favorite plants. Just make sure they get enough.

3. Toxins

The biggest problem with Raised Beds Gardening is the exposure to toxins. Toxins are found in fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and more. They are in the air, they are absorbed by your skin, and they are in your food, just by being in the environment.

4. Chemical Pesticides

One of the biggest environmental factors that will negatively affect Raised Bed Gardening is the use of chemical pesticides. Most commercial fertilizers contain chemicals. There are even well-known brand names that advertise their products as “natural”, but you have to question the integrity of those claims, because those claims don’t hold up under close examination. Anyone who grows their own natural herbs knows that chemicals are not good for you, and that many of those chemical products used in commercial fertilizers and herbicides are banned in other countries.

5. Organic Matter in Soil

Organic matter in your soil also serves an important role in your gardening activities. In fact, most of your soil, or what you consider your soil, is a mixture of both organic matter and inorganic matter. Your soil contains nutrients, minerals, bacteria, and other natural microorganisms. These living organisms break down organic matter in your soil, creating a nutrient-rich soil environment. So, it would be a gross assumption to suggest that you could grow an herb garden without any organic matter.

6. Type of Plant According to Climate

There are even more factors affecting raised bed gardening than just the type of plants you can choose to plant. For example, if you live in a colder climate, the root system of the plants will be very limited. Therefore, you will want to make sure you have a good source of heat. Raised beds allow root systems to get the heat they need, thus ensuring your garden will stay healthy year round.

7. Avoid Chemical Fertilizers

Be sure to avoid chemical fertilizers, especially those that contain phosphorus. You may think that your soil needs a phosphorus boost, but this is actually harmful because it can burn and scar your plants. You should instead look for organic fertilizers that are rich in potassium and magnesium. They will provide your plant with the much needed nutrients without burning your plants or leaving them with a scar.

8. Pests

Your biggest problem will likely be the pests that invade your garden all across the year. For this reason, you need to use effective pest control. You can do this with natural and organic pesticides, and on the flip side, you should be aware that not all of these are safe. Some may be dangerous to children and pets. You want to do some research into the various chemical fertilizers and pesticides available, and then decide which are the best for your raised bed gardening.