: Feature Stories : Something Different
Popularity of raised beds for vegetable growing is increasing
Mar 12, 2010, 10:20 PM
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.- – The popularity of raised beds for vegetable gardening is on the rise.
Using raised beds is a way to get around a number of issues, including poor soil. However, there are many other reasons to consider building a raised bed.
“From higher yields and easier maintenance to longer growing seasons, many gardeners are realizing the benefits of these low-cost approaches to gardening,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Marlin Bates.
Plants simply grow better in raised beds than they do in most soils. Because the soil within a raised bed warms faster than the surrounding soil, plants can get a jump start. Also, with better drainage, plants in a raised bed are not subjected to the waterlogged soils typical of Missouri spring gardens.
“These things allow for better root growth early in the season that can lead to healthier, more productive plants in the summer,” said Bates.
There are many ways to garden in a raised bed. In its simplest form, raised bed gardening is container gardening. Whiskey barrels or other larger containers can be quite productive, so long as drainage is provided.
On a larger scale, raised beds can be constructed from a number of materials. Cinder blocks, untreated, rot-resistant lumber, landscaping stones or other materials may be used to create the frame of the raised bed. Avoid using treated lumber or railroad ties, due to their chemical content that can be harmful to the plants, Bates said.
The shape of the raised bed should allow for access without having to enter. “Generally, narrow beds are useful because they allow gardeners to reach into the center of the bed from each side,” said Bates. The length of the bed may be determined by the materials that are used. “Just be careful not to make them so long that they are difficult to get around when navigating the landscape,” he added.
When choosing a medium to fill the raised bed frame, consider this the most important decision in the bed-making process. “Because so many of the benefits of raised bed gardening relate to the soil, choose wisely,” Bates said. “ A good approach is to source some highly quality topsoil and amend it with additional organic matter.” This may include compost, decomposed plant material, grass clippings, or other yard waste.
Be sure to combine these materials together and also make certain to marry the new soil in the raised bed with the existing soil below it, he said.
Although there are numerous advantages to using raised beds, they tend to dry out quickly during the summer months. “Be vigilant in watering during periods of drought and high temperatures,” said Bates. For more information about raised bed construction, you may visit http://extension.missouri.edu and search for “Raised Bed Gardening,” or contact your local extension office.
Using raised beds is a way to get around a number of issues, including poor soil. However, there are many other reasons to consider building a raised bed.
“From higher yields and easier maintenance to longer growing seasons, many gardeners are realizing the benefits of these low-cost approaches to gardening,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Marlin Bates.
Plants simply grow better in raised beds than they do in most soils. Because the soil within a raised bed warms faster than the surrounding soil, plants can get a jump start. Also, with better drainage, plants in a raised bed are not subjected to the waterlogged soils typical of Missouri spring gardens.
“These things allow for better root growth early in the season that can lead to healthier, more productive plants in the summer,” said Bates.
There are many ways to garden in a raised bed. In its simplest form, raised bed gardening is container gardening. Whiskey barrels or other larger containers can be quite productive, so long as drainage is provided.
On a larger scale, raised beds can be constructed from a number of materials. Cinder blocks, untreated, rot-resistant lumber, landscaping stones or other materials may be used to create the frame of the raised bed. Avoid using treated lumber or railroad ties, due to their chemical content that can be harmful to the plants, Bates said.
The shape of the raised bed should allow for access without having to enter. “Generally, narrow beds are useful because they allow gardeners to reach into the center of the bed from each side,” said Bates. The length of the bed may be determined by the materials that are used. “Just be careful not to make them so long that they are difficult to get around when navigating the landscape,” he added.
When choosing a medium to fill the raised bed frame, consider this the most important decision in the bed-making process. “Because so many of the benefits of raised bed gardening relate to the soil, choose wisely,” Bates said. “ A good approach is to source some highly quality topsoil and amend it with additional organic matter.” This may include compost, decomposed plant material, grass clippings, or other yard waste.
Be sure to combine these materials together and also make certain to marry the new soil in the raised bed with the existing soil below it, he said.
Although there are numerous advantages to using raised beds, they tend to dry out quickly during the summer months. “Be vigilant in watering during periods of drought and high temperatures,” said Bates. For more information about raised bed construction, you may visit http://extension.missouri.edu and search for “Raised Bed Gardening,” or contact your local extension office.
