A lot of people like to have raised beds in their garden, for a range of reasons. Two of the main reasons are that they are very easy to look after and that it is possible to easily build DIY elevated garden beds. Furthermore, because the beds are effectively free-standing, you can use different types of soil in them, that are applicable to the climate.

Why Have DIY Elevated Garden Beds?

If you don't have a lot of space in your garden, then raised beds are a perfect solution. You can even place them in apartment complex units, condominiums, and high rise buildings. You could also place them on a rooftop. The more space you have available, the more beds you can place.

Raised beds aren't just good for those who have little space, however. They are simply very easy to build and maintain. It is easier to keep garden pests and weeds out of them, and you can grow plants that are not native to your area by changing the soil.

Building DIY Elevated Garden Beds:

You can make elevated garden beds from anything, including untreated wooden frames, which are the most popular option, and also bricks, concrete blocks, and more. Make sure, however, that you have a plan in mind so you know what you are doing, where you are placing your bed, and how big you will make it.

Some of the things to consider include:

  • Distance and location: whether you want to plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs, you have to make sure that you know which area you will give to those plants. Herbs, in particular, have a tendency to take over, so it is best to stick to one herb per raised bed. The quality of the soil is very important and will vary depending on your location, as does the depth of soil required. Some plants need a lot more root space in order to grow, but this means they may also become so large that they cast a shadow on other plants.
  • Sun and shade tolerance: different plants have various needs in terms of how much sun and shade they require and can tolerate. You have to be aware of this so that you can decide where to place your planters, and what to put in them.
  • Soil quality: make sure that you use non-compacted soil, allowing water to penetrate it. Your plants have to be able to get nutrients and moisture out of the soil, so less dense is better. Do make sure there are no weeds in the soil as well, and supplement it with an organic fertilizer that supports the types of plants you are growing.

Conclusion:

One of the best things about building a raised garden bed is that pests will really struggle to get into it. This means you have far more control over the entire system. If you want to go really organic, you could even make your own fertilizer, which will also ensure your garden produce grows bigger and better. Make sure you fertilize regularly for optimal results.