Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Section 2: Advantages of Raised Bed Gardening
There are several real advantages of gardening in raised beds. Part of the appeal is to create
an ordered look to the garden. Part of the advantages are creating ideal conditions for plants
so they can be intensively managed to produce high yields in relatively small areas. The
mostappealingparttomeisthatitmakesgardeningeasier.Raisedbedsalsooffertheability
to grow food or flowers in areas that would otherwise be unsuitable.
1.
Improves Conditions For Plants
• Increases Soil Depth
• Improves Soil Aeration
• Improves Soil Quality
• Prevents Soil from Compacting
• Longer Growing Season
• Higher Yields
• Bed Frames Support Trellises, Cold Frames, Covers and Irrigation
•
Less Work and Easier Access for the Gardener
• Reduces Maintenance
• Can Work in Garden without Getting Dirty
• Access for Physically Impaired
• Bunnies Can't Jump
•
Ability to Garden on Unsuitable Sites
• Can Grow on Sites without Soil
• Can Grow on Sites that are too Steep
• Can Grow where Concerned about Soil Contamination
•
Saves Water
• Water only the Beds, Not the Pathways
• Deep, Compost Soil Holds Moisture
Improves Conditions For Plants
Therearemanydifferentenvironmentalfactorsthatdeterminehowwellplantsgrow,butwe
can have the most positive effects on plants by improving the soil and controlling moisture.
Theconstructionofaraisedbedautomaticallyallowsfordeepersoilsandforbetterdrainage
of wet soils. Soil aeration is improved as wet soils are drained. In Spring, the soil in a raised
