The Benefits And Ease Of Raised Bed Gardens

Raised bed gardens, or garden boxes serve as prime locations for growing flowers or vegetables

. The compact area inhibits weed growth, protects plants from harmful insects and offers adequate drainage. With the soil inside a constructed environment, gardens do not experience erosion. The self-contained soil also maintains a steady temperature, which allows earlier planting. Garden boxes differ from planters, which typically have a bottom. Garden boxes encompass a particular area, but remain open to the ground below. This set-up allows root expansion for healthier plants.

Garden Box Kits

Individuals interested in having a garden box may purchase kits containing the necessary wood and connecting devices. Kits contain timbers made from untreated 2" x 6" cedar that typically measure almost four feet in length. Some kits contain planks made from recycled materials that include wood fiber and polypropylene. Cedar planks form the corners by mortise and tenon joints, coated stainless-steel joints or by plastic resin connecting devices.

Kits generally carry a warranty that lasts up to five years. Materials remain resistant to moisture and sun exposure during this time. Gardeners design and piece together kits that create configurations of various sizes. The smallest garden box display measures approximately 4 foot square and stands 11 inches high. Elaborately designed kits feature decorative posts, irrigation systems and optional attached trellises that measure up to 6 feet tall. Additional accessories for garden box systems include perimeter fencing, which protects plants from common outdoor animals. Individuals also have the option of converting a garden box into a miniature greenhouse by enclosing the unit with framing and netting or screen material.

Do-It-Yourself Garden Box

Many outdoor gardeners prefer building their own garden boxes. Though most raised bed gardens consist of red cedar, Vermont white cedar, yellow cedar or Juniper wood also suffices. Redwood is another option. These woods are naturally insect and rot resistant, and provide gardeners with beds lasting anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Pre-manufactured corner braces make joining the wood relatively easy.

Garden box beds may stand up to 3 feet in height. Beds standing 18 inches tall or taller should have cross supports, which prevent soil pressure from bowing the wood. Cross supports must also reinforce beds measuring longer than 4 feet in length. Though all beds allow plant root expansion into the ground, some plants require more room than others, which might determine the height of the bed. Garden boxes typically do not extend beyond 4 feet in width, which enables gardeners adequate access of all areas in the box from either side.

Garden Box Soil

Before filling the planter with mulch and soil, gardeners must determine the volume of the interior. Measure and multiply the length x the width x the height, which provides the number of cubic inches contained within the space. Divide this number by 1,728 converting the number into cubic feet. If garden boxes have precise measurements in feet, conversion is not required. A box measuring 4 foot by 4 foot by 12 inches, for example, contains 16 cubic feet of space.

Soil generally weighs anywhere from 70 to 80 pounds per cubic foot depending on different components. Mulch typically weighs much less. Consulting a local gardening expert helps determine the type of soil mixture required for particular areas or for the best results when growing certain plants.

Copyright (c) 2012 Jack Russell

by: Jack Russell

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