Or perhaps your first garden ever?
I advocate for raised garden beds; if you follow me on Instagram, you'll see I also do in ground (much harder, makes me tired thinking about it, so many weeds). I'm sharing why I love raised beds and some reasons it can also be challenging.
Raised beds work well if you need better draining or have hard soil. You can easily control your soil; you can amend it but adding in compost or nutrients that are naturally lacking.
Raised beds make it MUCH easier to care for your plants. They are contained, they have their own space, and it's easier to reach and bend when the garden is raised. Saving you the backache.
They warm up faster once spring arrives, and you can start growing sooner (see The Arc of Seasons)
It's easier to use a cover when there is a chance of frost, and raised beds extend your growing season. I've had lettuce and kale growing year-round here in Wisconsin, slowly, but it was growing!
Weeds are easier to remove; they are contained and can easily be pulled from the lofty soil in a raised bed.
They can accommodate all spaces, big or small, narrow, and even containers on an apartment patio. I love a container herb and salad garden.
Aesthetically raised beds elevate an outdoor space; they can be incorporated into the environment and be something beautiful to admire or add color and dimension to your yard.
Challenges with raised beds:
The cost of wood to build has skyrocketed in recent years. Cedar is traditionally the wood most often used because of its natural resistance to rot and insects, and it will last for years. It's also beautiful. We have experience with a Japanese method called Shou Shui Ban, where we burn pine, which helps seal the wood, making it last longer.
Eventually, you'll need to replace the wood beds. However, there are some fantastic non-wood products on the market. We're trying cement blocks in our garden this year. This is where my expertise comes to play to help you find what works for your garden, your style, and your price point.
Raised beds dry out faster, and the soil gets warmer, which can be challenging in warmer climates. Mulch helps keep the water in the ground, and intensive planting and watering is needed more often. This can be supported with an irrigation system or soaker hoses.
I'd love to help you start your first garden; I will be available to help you with every step, dig, and harvest along the way. My goal is to give you the confidence you need to be able to garden and grow food for your family without my help and to teach you everything you need to know.
**Images on this page are not mine, and to the best of knowledge stock photos. If you're the owner let me know and I'd to credit you**
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