With the growing season in full swing, there’s no better time to work on your yard. Adding some raised garden beds can give your home’s exterior a unique personalized touch, and it’ll make gardening a breeze as well. Read on to learn more about raised garden beds in Seattle, WA.
What is a raised garden bed?
A raised garden bed uses an elevated container to grow plants in soil above ground height. Even though they’re commonly contained within a frame made of wood, plastic or metal, there’s no limit to what can be used as a planter. Similarly, raised garden beds can come in all shapes and sizes. No matter what your space restrictions may be, there’s sure to be a raised garden bed design that can work for your home.
Benefits of a raised garden bed
Raised garden beds are easier to maintain than traditional in-ground beds. The soil is able to stay warmer earlier and longer, which extends the growing season and is more conducive to growing new seeds and transplants. Plants tend to be healthier in raised garden beds because of the greater control over soil and drainage quality. Not only does a raised garden bed keep your plants looking great and tidy, but it also protects them from being trampled by people or animals. Elevating the garden bed also makes it easier for people with back or knee problems to garden with less need to bend over.
Tips for building and maintaining a raised garden bed
When you’re choosing a location for your raised garden bed, make sure there is an easily accessible water source nearby. Depending on the plants that you’d like to grow, you can choose to place the bed in a sunny or shaded area. Limit the bed to under eight feet long so there’s still plenty of room to maneuver around it.
If you’re building a raised garden bed out of wood, make sure you use untreated lumber so unwanted chemicals don’t seep into your soil. If you’re using a galvanized trough, drill holes in the bottom and set it on bricks to allow for drainage. A metal frame will also help the soil retain ambient heat from the sun. No matter what material you use, even raising the soil by six or eight inches above ground can improve growth.
When you’re ready to garden, make sure you don’t overcrowd your plants. Plant them in rows so it’ll be easier to distinguish them from weeds. Some foolproof plants you could grow include lettuce, violets, calendula and cilantro. Plants such as squashes that require plenty of room to grow are not ideal for raised garden beds. Neither are those that require far too much heat, like watermelons and pinto beans.
Looking to build your own raised garden beds in Seattle, WA? With over 90 years of experience, Stewart Lumber & Hardware Co. is the ultimate resource for all your hardware and home improvement needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!