In the instances where soil requires too many additives to be cost effective or cannot be worked properly due to rocks and compacted clay, a raised bed garden is a workable solution.
The versatility of a raised bed garden addresses many issues, making this type of garden an attractive alternative to those unable to garden in the past.
Those with limited space can cultivate high yields in the more compacted space of the raised bed.
Because the garden is raised, the elderly or handicapped have a more organized and manageable space in which to move about.
The raised bed will give those living in cool, wet climates soil that heats up and dries out more quickly.
Planning When planning a raised bed garden, choose a sunny spot.
Most plants need at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day.
If space allows, try not to plant the garden close to trees, as the plants will be competing for soil nutrients.
Design the space for the beds about three to four feet in width and as long as manageable.
It should be easy to weed to from either side.
Leave space for a path on either side.
Eighteen inches is all that is necessary, but three feet allows for garden equipment like carts and wheelbarrows to move about.
Face the long side from east to west for maximum sunlight exposure.
If planning any type of vertical planting, place the supports toward the back so as not to shade the other plants.
Constructing the raised bed The type of raised bed you decide to construct will depend greatly upon the problems with the current landscape conditions and the gardener's preference.
For example, in poor-drainage areas, the existing soil can be used and raised to the desired level by utilizing soil from the walkway and other unused areas of the landscape.
In areas with unworkable soil, the beds can by constructed by bringing in loam mixed with peat and organic matter.
Whichever method is chosen, the "new" soil must be mounded to a depth of at least six to eight inches.
Some gardeners try to ensure good drainage by first laying stone or gravel before placing the loam in the bed.
Though not necessary, raised bed boxes can be constructed of cedar, redwood or any decorative planking or stone.
Avoid using pressure treated wood, which seeps poisonous materials into the soil.
If you opt not to use a form or constructed box, you must control weeds meticulously around the perimeter of the beds.
Once the weeds have rooted, pulling them can cause the bed to begin to erode and some loss of plant life is likely to occur.