8 Tips for Raised Garden Beds

8 Helpful Hints for Raised Bed Gardens for beginners

JoAnn Grady —Resident Submission

Knowing what works best in your yard is important at the beginning of the growing season, so you don't have to wait another year to get it right.

#1– Location of your beds is essential. Take a day and watch the trajectory of the sun to optimize it for your garden. Most plants do best in full sun. #2– Planning your irrigation system is important, a drip system is not only convenient but helpful when unable to water when gone.

#3– Investing in good soil makes a huge difference. You need good drainage and compost at least 1/3 of your soil using water retention substances like peat moss, coconut core, etc. You want good soil for your roots to grow.

#4– Mulching the top layer will help protect your soil and keep it moist. Shredded straw, grass clippings or wood chips (make sure wood is organic) work great.

#5– Map out your beds to leave enough space for you to work in between. A good rule of thumb is 2 feet.

#6– Think about how the plants will shade once they’ve grown. For example, a garden facing south will want the tallest plants in the back of the bed and the shortest plants in the front. You want to avoid the tall plants shading the smaller ones.

#7– Bed prep for the next season. When your growing season is done put a protective layer of mulch on the top (leaves, grass clippings, compost, etc). This will decompose and feed the soil over the off-season and nourish it for the next year.

#8– Make sure to label and track what and when you planted. Don't count on your memory because you will lose track of what you planted!