Growing Vegetables in Raised Garden Beds

Learning the basics of growing vegetables in raised garden beds can be a daunting task. In order to ensure that your garden is a success you will need to put some time and effort into learning how to grow your own vegetables. This is not an easy task however, especially if you are not exactly knowledgeable on what you are doing. Luckily there are many ways of growing vegetables in raised garden beds that can help you make the most out of the little space you have available.

1. Determine the Type of Soil

First off you will need to determine what type of soil you have available in your garden. Different plants will require different types of soil. For example, vegetables such as beans, broccoli, cauliflower and onions all do well in fertile soil with low levels of nitrogen. On the other hand, drought tolerant plants such as lettuce, spinach and cabbage need less acidic soil and more fertility. Soil type can also be affected by what season it is.

2. Getting Soil Ready for Planting

After you have determined what type of soil you have you will need to get the soil ready for planting. You should place your plants on top of your prepared soil and make sure they are completely covered. Keep in mind that you will need to place your garden right on the ground so make sure you don’t cover it too much. This could cause your plants to become root-bound and possibly cause them to drown. Also remember that if your soil is too dry, it could be wise to water your plants frequently.

3. Suitable Distance While Planting

The next tip for growing vegetables in raised garden beds is to plant them in the right size. Most experts will advise you to choose between four to six inches apart. When growing vegetables, it is very important to ensure that they are spaced properly. Space them equally on the bed. You want each plant to receive the equal amount of sun, nutrients, and water. Also, make sure that when you water your plants, the water trickles evenly down the stems.

4. Using Stakes for Growing Vegetables

The next step is to plant your vegetables. It can be helpful to use stakes to keep your plants upright. Stakes are also a great way to help keep pests like deer out of your garden. However, this may only be necessary if you are planting your vegetables in a bedding area, which is an area separate from the garden itself.

5. Primary Ways of Growing Vegetables in Raised Garden Beds

There are two primary ways to grow vegetables in garden beds: the perennial method and the annual method.

5.1 Perennial Method

Perennial vegetables such as spinach and chard can be started growing right after they are transplanted from seed. In fact, many gardeners like to start their seasons earlier by growing their vegetables in pots.

5.2 Annual Method

Annuals, on the other hand, can be started several weeks before the first frost. These types of vegetables can be frozen or dried for the winter.

6. Using Potting Mix

Some people prefer to grow their veggies in potting mix instead of directly in a garden bed. Although this might seem like a good idea, it’s not always the best way to do it. The reason is because mixed potting soil contains organic material that could potentially harm your plants.

7. Expert’s Recommendations

Most experts recommend using pre-irrigated wooden chips as mulch for raised garden beds. This will help conserve moisture in the soil and help retain its nutritional value. However, you should use some sort of compost to the soil, such as worm castings or grass clippings. Other tips for this type of garden include using chicken manure or human feces for fertilization, using topsoil in addition to the garden bed soil, and avoiding chemical fertilizers. It is also recommended that you make sure the soil is properly watered in the morning.

8. Conclusion

Although using raised garden beds is a great way to grow your own vegetables, there are also other benefits. For one thing, growing your own vegetables is a way to save money. Because these plants require less water, you may also be able to cut back on your grocery bill while also being able to choose exactly what vegetables you want to buy. Growing your own vegetables is also an ecological way to garden. It reduces your carbon footprint.