by Viviana Victoriano

Created on: July 09, 2008   Last Updated: July 11, 2008

Building a raised bed is one of those tasks that will take an initial toll of your time and energy, but that in the long run will make your life easier and will bring you valuable benefits.

EASY MAINTENANCE
Raised beds are easier to take care of. Only the area that is planted has to be weeded, mulched and harvested, without ever walking on the soil.

EARLIER SEASON

The soil on raised beds warms up faster in the spring and stays warm later in the fall. You have a longer growing season, which allows to plant earlier and harvest later.

BETTER GROWTH
With a raised bed you prevent soil compaction because you don't need to walk on the soil. Soil compaction can cause problems of drainage and oxygen availability to the roots.

BETTER QUALITY PLANTS
This is especially important when you are growing vegetables. Raised beds can be filled with high quality soil and it is easier to add compost and other organic matter to keep the soil fertilized.

EFFICIENCY
Raised beds save space and plants get more sun and air circulation. They also make better use of water because of the improved soil drainage.

GOOD FOR YOUR BACK AND KNEES
A raised bed can put an end to your aches and pains. They are especially beneficial for older people that lack flexibility or people with disabilities. By leaving sufficiently wide paths in between beds, even people in wheelchairs can take care of their raised bed gardens.

Details on how to build a raised bed would be the topic of another article, but here are some brief key points that you would need to consider:

LOCATION
Sunny location with a minimum of six hours of sunlight during the day
Near a water source

PLANNING
Size: beds can be as long as you wish, but only as wide as they can be easily worked
from side to side.
Paths in between the beds should be 1-2 feet wide.
Once decided, mark the planned beds with stakes and string

MATERIALS
To build the frames use only non toxic materials such as stone, cinder blocks,
bricks, untreated wood that is insect and decay resistant (such as cypress, redwood
or cedar) or fiberglass.
The beds should be approximately 12-16" high
Fill the frames with soil mix, compost and organic matter.
Sawdust or bark can be used to cover the paths between beds to improve the walking
area

Raised beds can last for a long time and soil fertility can be maintained by adding organic matter regularly. Your plants and your body will thank you.

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