If you have read any gardening magazines or websites lately, you are probably well-aware of the latest trend in raised garden beds. While many home gardeners have been using raised beds for many years to provide protected space to grow flowers, shrubs and other plants, the new idea is to use them for growing fruits and vegetables. Raised garden beds allow for easier control over growing conditions and are used as a means of providing easy access to plants, especially for gardeners with bad backs and knees.
What is a Raised Garden Bed?
Raised garden beds are traditionally made out of wood materials, however many homeowners are choosing new materials to construct these valuable growing areas in both their front and backyard areas. Cinder blocks are another popular material, as they are cheap and easy to stack, however in recent years the use of patio stone ideas and pavers has caught on because they look better, last longer and work better at keeping out weeds and other undesirable conditions.
Combine the benefits of raised beds for easier access and control with traditional vegetable and fruit gardening materials, such as quality garden mulch, soil and other essential ingredients, and you have a recipe for some really excellent home gardening. Raised garden beds also protect vulnerable plants from gophers and other pests, allowing for easy covering and other protective materials to be used. Better control over soil conditions means less chance of tomatoes rotting on the vine and other issues that can be caused by poor nutrition in the soil.
Some of the other benefits associated with using raised garden beds include:
- better drainage
- lower maintenance
- better soil quality control
- easier access to gardening – built in seating if the walls are wide enough
- higher productivity, bigger crop yield
- reduced weeding due to better soil and mulching
- better control over pests – insects, rodents and other vermin
Are Raised Garden Beds Right for You?
One of the reasons why raised garden beds are an ideal solution to local Brockton gardening ideas is that it allows home gardeners to grow a lot of produce in a small amount of space. The typical Brockton residential property doesn’t allow for a huge garden, so these patio stone ideas that provide gardeners with raised, protected areas for growing their own food are the perfect answer. When done right, garden beds made from natural stone or even manufactured stone and concrete pavers, will look as good in the front yard as they would in the backyard, allowing homeowners to increase their growing space.
Because raised garden beds have so many advantages that reduce the challenges that many gardeners in Southeastern Massachusetts face due to soil conditions, the range of season changes that affect the growing period and pests that have the potential to completely decimate entire summer crops, they are sure to continue growing in popularity. Gardening pros recommend that homeowners build their garden beds with a north to south orientation for the best lighting conditions. Another excellent tip for local Brockton gardening ideas is to situate your garden beds close to the kitchen for easy harvesting of fresh herbs and vegetables for cooking.
How to Build Raised Garden Beds
The size of the garden beds should be based upon the amount of space that you have in a given area. For example, if you have four feet of free space, then go ahead and make the garden four feet wide. However, if you will need to access the garden from all sides you might want to make it more narrow so you can get to the other sides. Another option is to make the width 3 feet across of less so you can reach across easily if you don’t have access to all four sides due to space constraints.
The height should be comfortable for you as well – somewhere between twelve to eighteen inches in height or more, depending on your unique needs. A minimum of twelve inches is required in order to have enough height to create good soil conditions. Most gardeners build rectangular beds, but you can also create raised garden beds that are in a circular design to create a nice looking garden area. Automatic drip irrigation or bubbler systems can be used to have more control over watering and reduce waste.
Where to Get Materials for Gardening in Southeastern Massachusetts
If you are looking for more local Brockton gardening ideas that can be used all throughout the South Coast region, look no further than J&J Materials. In addition to having a wide variety of natural stone and manufactured stone materials that can be used to create raised garden beds, quality garden mulch that will protect your soil and plants from pests and a wide variety of other landscaping materials, they also have patio stone ideas and a full video library of installation tips and plans that can be used to create gorgeous gardens and relaxing outdoor living spaces. Call J&J Materials or stop by one of their locations in Bourne or Seekonk to find out more about all of the materials and ideas available for area homeowners.