Home gardening can be complicated whether you are growing a few annuals for color in your yard or you plan to supplement summer meals with fresh vegetables. Among the greatest of challenges is finding the right amount of usable land space in an area that receives the right amount of sunlight.
Raised gardens are an excellent solution, since they allow you to choose that perfect location for space and sunlight even if there is little or no actual soil. A raised-bed garden is an actual wood frame structure that you fill with quality soil, fertilizer and compost, and you can build it over inadequate soil, rocks, even a concrete slab. A 12-inch deep bed is enough depth for most vegetables and annuals and virtually any herb you would like to harvest fresh.
Herbs and vegetables
Many herb lovers grow their favorites in pots on a sunny kitchen window sill. Herbs grow well in pots, and some are better contained in pots even if they are outside. Others grow larger and lusher when planted directly in the ground, especially in the well-draining environment of a raised garden.
The average depth of a raised garden is perfect for the root systems of herbs and vegetables, with the exception of potatoes which need more depth. Also, because the soil will tend to be much looser than ground soil cleared for gardening, vegetables and herbs will generally do very well.
Flowers
Adding flowers for color or for cutting is becoming more common for those working with raised gardens. One reason is because the blooms attract bees and butterflies, which also pollinate the edibles cohabiting in the garden. Another advantage for flower enthusiasts is the easy access to beautiful cuttings for home vases and gift bouquets. A raised garden means a lot less bending over.
Building your raised garden
Wood and soil are all you need to build a raised garden. The location and size can be based on sunlight and accessibility. Your base can be concrete, stones or soil that is relatively level. Building on a wood deck is not recommended because of the weight of the soil. For raised gardens built directly on soil, stakes may be needed at the corners to prevent some warping or heaving of the edge boards—a common occurrence in colder climates.
If you are considering a raised garden for your herbs, vegetables or flowers, contact the experts at Terry Lumber Supply, where you can get everything you need to build the perfect raised garden. Knowledgeable staff can help with design and planning of any size garden, advising you on type and amount of wood, depth and other accessories to keep critters out and your garden thriving.
Call today or click here for more information about gardening accessories, wood and trim available at Terry Lumber.