6 Tips for Big Harvests In Raised Garden Beds

Raised bed gardening has become increasingly popular lately and for good reason. They are easy to build or buy at a low cost. Many gardeners love them because you can control the soil components ensuring your plants get the best nutrients possible. You can make them as tall or as low as you need and can configure them according to your space. So how should you prepare your raised garden beds for a successful season?

Plan

Use the winter months to begin planning for your garden. If you have raised beds already built, then you should plant what you’re going to grow and where you’re going to place each plant. If your beds are not built, then you’ll want to draw up a plan to build or buy your beds.

Light

To grow big healthy and delicious vegetables, they will need lots of sunlight. Many vegetables need 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight to be happy and fruitful. Picking the right spot is essential to your plants production.

Soil

Soil health is the most important piece of the puzzle. Poor soil will produce unhealthy plants more susceptible to disease, pest, and plant death. Good soil is loose, well-draining, and comprised of organic matter. If you think there is an issue with your soil do an at-home soil test.

Water

Keeping the soil consistently moist for the whole season can be difficult. Setting up a watering plan and sticking to it can be beneficial. There are many ways to water such as drip irrigation, sprinklers, hand watering, mother nature etc. Pick what works for your lifestyle.

Fertilizer

There are many types of fertilizers that can be used to keep your plants happy, healthy and productive all season. My go-to recipe for my raised garden beds is 1/2 compost and 1/2 garden soil. The compost will break down over the season and feed your plants. I also like to go in weekly with a liquid fish fertilizer. This combination give my plants the food they need to grow and keep producing all season long.

Maintenance

Take time weekly to look over each of your plants checking for the three D’s: Dead, Damaged or Diseased plants or foliage; make sure you prune if required. With regular maintenance, your plants will stay healthy and strong.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra