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How to Build a Raised Bed   Part 1

Your Raised Bed

To have your own raised bed(s) is a wonderful thing that can be occurring in one?s life. Having the ability to grow your own food has always fascinated me ever since I was a child, so building a raised bed quickly became a very important skill that I developed over these many years. Why use raised beds instead of  growing in the  ground like it has always been done? Sure you can rototill the soil and work it and you can grow anything but not everyone has the time , space and ability to do that. Raised beds provide a great way to grow in places you might not normally be able to grow in. Raised beds also provide a lot of soil in a much smaller area allowing more plants with greater root systems.

   
   In a raised bed you are in control of the health of the soil and thus control the health of your vegetables that you are growing. In a raised bed you are also in control of the water you use. Did you know that you can grow 4 to 7 times more food in a raised bed then in the same area in the ground and that the food will also be better if grown in a raised bed.

What to make from:

The materials that you use to make your raised beds must be decided by yourself and what you want the beds to look like when done. Do you want to have it look more man made like when you make it from bricks or have it more natural and make it from stone? Cost factors play a role here too.

Use aged redwood or old cedar ? or Rocks or what ever material you want.  DO NOT USE pressure treated wood either with gas or creosol.  Both are very bad for you, for your health esp if you have children.

THE DRIP SYSTEM

A good drip system is important. A buried soaker hose will work very well here. A timer will help to control the water. Place a garden filter between the hose and the timer. Your garden will love this extra touch. I would add a fertigation unit so it will be providing nutrients in the water.

Place a soaker line mid way in the bed  about 1/2  way down. Then fill to top with soil and then place a drip/mister system on top. Attach to a timer for best results. Set for 2 x per day watering, m/w/f, keep an eye on the garden for any additional watering needed. Don?t over water as it will kill the roots of the plants so start out with just a few min soaking .

Building it yourself

Raised beds are a gardeners best kept secret especially if poor soil is their main problem.Raised beds stay warm longer and warm up more quickly especially in early spring, allowing you to work the soil and plant sooner then if you were growing in the ground. Raised beds drain better then in  soil plantings.The soil doesn?t get compacted, because you do not walk on it.It?s easy to amend the soil in that particular raised bed to meet the plants  requirements such as specific ph needs (some plants like acid soil instead of alkaline).

Raised beds require less maintenance than conventional in soil garden beds. Weed, disease and pest control tasks are easier when done in a raised bed environment.

more next week

Andy Lopez

Invisible Gardener

Any questions? Email andy@invisiblegardener.com