Benefits of Raised Gardening Beds

Haven't you always admired raised gardening beds thinking how nice they look and wondering about the benefits of raised beds? You may have noticed that gardens with raised beds look neat, meticulous and seem to have fewer weeds. Raised gardening beds can simplify gardening, improve soil conditions and produce higher yields.

How are raised gardening beds used? Essentially, raised gardening beds are simple structures built to hold garden soil. The framework is placed on the surface of your existing soil, a cement slab or even a table. You can design a raised gardening bed and place it anywhere you like. If you decide that the location of the bed doesn't get enough sun, you can move it to a more appropriate location. It can be a great benefit for condominium owners or apartment renters that have a patio area, but no backyard with soil.

Frames for raised gardening beds can be constructed from several different materials. Most are made from wood, although you can make them from concrete or even bales of hay. The beauty of using raised garden beds is that you control the soil. Once the raised bed is constructed, you fill it with the perfect soil mixture for growing vegetables, flowers or herbs. For people with poor soil conditions, containing caliche (hardpan), clay or rocks using raised gardening beds can be the perfect solution.

The design determines the depth and length you require, which is great for growing vegetables that may require extra deep beds. Another advantage of using a raised garden bed is controlling how much soil, compost, manure, sand and fertilizers are used in each bed for specific types of plants.

Soil used in raised beds does not get compacted down like garden beds since it is raised above the ground level where people don't walk. People that find it difficult to kneel down to plant and tend a garden find that raised beds can alleviate some of the discomfort of working gardens on the ground level. Raised gardening beds are easier on the knees and back making gardening more enjoyable.

Raised gardens usually drain better than garden beds because the soil is specially prepared and does not have the limitations incurred with heavy clay soil beds. If you use the recommended 3 to 4 feet wide bed designs, you can easily plant, weed or harvest any vegetable bed from at least two sides. Controlling soil conditions can significantly reduce weeds, which creates space for additional plants and increases yields.

Treating sick plants, using special fertilizers, insect control or experimental gardens is much easier when plants are separated into a raised bed garden. Using raised gardening beds adds a whole new dimension to the appearance of your gardens and makes weeding a snap.

Resources
http://beingfrugal.net/2010/03/08/10-benefits-of-raised-garden-beds/

http://organicgardening.about.com/od/startinganorganicgarden/a/raisedbed.htm