Raised Bed Garden Ideas

My Raised Bed Gardens

The forsythia’s and the pear trees are in bloom here in the Piedmont of North Carolina.   We had a beautiful weekend in the 60 and 70 degree range and spent a lot of time working in the yard.   The flower beds are getting cleaned up and compost is being added.   We will add some dark mulch in a few weeks.   It’s time to start planning for the backyard raised gardens.   

 

We have three raised gardens beds that are approximately 5 X 12 and have been very successful with them over the past few years.   One is dedicated to a raised vegetable garden, another raised garden is dedicated to  herbs, and the third is dedicated to blueberries.  Some of the advantages that I have found with raised bed gardening include:

-  Plants can be placed closer together, because there is no need to allow room to step between.

-  There is higher production in a smaller area.

-  Less water, compost and fertilizer are needed in a targeted controlled area.

-  Raised beds tend to drain well.

We have found that gardens for all seasons are more achievable using raised beds.   Farmer’s Almanac has great raised garden bed ideas at http://www.almanac.com/content/garden-raised-beds-and-small-plots.