![]() ![]() For raised beds built above the ground, drill drainage holes through the base. Raised beds will lose water more rapidly than plants sowed directly in the ground. Testing the soil shortly after planting is a method to confirm you have amended the soil with an appropriate amount of organic matter and to a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. Michigan State University Extension provides recommendations for applying fertilizer that is most suitable to your gardening needs. Fertilize appropriately soon after planting to provide the right nutrients for vegetables. Since it decomposes naturally, compost should be added to the soil at the end of each season.Ī soil depth of no less than 10 inches is the minimum amount suitable for growing most vegetables other than potatoes and larger vine crops such as watermelon. ![]() Avoid a strictly topsoil composition since its composition can be varied as there is no legal definition for topsoil. Mixing the topsoil with the amended soil will prevent layering that limits water penetration and root growth. For most raised beds, a blend of half compost and half topsoil can be used to fill the bed. When purchasing a soil mix, inspect the materials that compose the mix. Selecting a soil mix high in organic matter and with good water holding capacity will support a variety of plants. Raised bed gardens planted at ground level (foreground) and on elevated support beams (background). Raised beds can be further customized for season extension through adding PVC frames along the edges, to which supported row covers can be added. If building multiple raised beds, it is critical to leave enough space between the beds to allow passage for garden equipment such as wheelbarrows.Īvoid making beds wider than 3.5 to 4 feet, or it may be difficult to access the middle of the bed from either side. Elevated beds must be able to support the weight of soil, and this may require stakes on the exterior of garden frames. Other materials, including concrete landscaping stones (Photo 1) or barrels, also make suitable substrates for raised bed gardens.įramed raised beds can be constructed at the ground level or elevated on support beams (Photo 2). Though more expensive, materials including black locust and cedar are an alternative to pressure treated wood and will last for multiple years. ![]() While these contain copper, the levels are too low to leach into the soil and have adverse effects on children or adults, according to research from Cushing et al. Pressure treated woods with arsenic were phased out over a decade ago, and newer products typically contain less toxic preservatives such as ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary). Select wood or another material that is long-lasting. The larger the dimensions of the raised bed, the more soil that will be required. Garden dimensions can be adapted to the gardener’s needs. Raised bed gardens at least 2 feet in height also provide an accessible option for individuals whose physical limitations prevent them from leaning or working at ground level. ![]() For the many southeast Michigan residents who reside on clay soils with moderate to poor drainage, a raised bed garden will provide greater control at growing plants that would otherwise struggle in the ground. What are the benefits of a raised bed garden?Ī disappointing soil test result showing alkaline soils? Vegetables that don’t grow well year after year? If soil health is the cause of plant woes in your garden, a framed raised bed garden is one solution to improve growing conditions. ![]()
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