| Advantages to Raised Bed Gardening… Posted: 10 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT I have been considering raised bed gardening this year for my victory garden because the soil in my yard is as hard as an old stock car racetrack with two big dogs and one that thinks she's a big dog beating it down on a daily basis. Research shows the most important advantage to raised gardening beds is reduced soil compaction. This allows lots of room in the loose soil for roots to breathe. There is no need to step into the raised bed, so the likelihood of future soil compaction is diminished, if you can keep the dogs out. Raised beds can extend your gardening season. They tend to warm up a little sooner in the spring and remain productive later in the fall. Fewer weeds grow in raised beds because the plants are closer together leaving little room for the pesky weeds. However raised garden beds are easier to weed because raised beds are closer to you and you can set a stool in the path to sit on comfortably to work in the garden. Top soil is controlled more easily and water, fertilizer and compost are applied mainly to the plants with little waste. No watering the garden path. Raised beds tend to drain away excess moisture, producing healthier plants by allowing the roots to breath and discouraging mildew and fungus growth. Raised beds tend to bring more order and pleasing geometry to your garden, especially when forms or edging are used to define them. Various Studies show that raised bed gardens produce up to twice as many fruits and vegetables per square foot as conventional flat gardens, because you can space plants closer together and their season is extended. This means a smaller, more manageable garden to you to work and maintain. A cold frame can be built onto the raised bed for lengthening your growing season. And honestly I think they look better, both in season and out. A former colleague of mine Phil Tucker and his wife Janel are supplying me with plenty of inspiration. Just look what they have created so far:
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