Advantages of Gardening with Raised Beds

Gardening with Raised Beds

Life is very busy on the farm during the spring and summer months, so this year we made an intentional decision — we hope a good one — to try gardening with a few raised beds instead of the traditional way.

We opted for constructing our raised beds with cedar posts that my husband cut to establish 4′ x 8′ beds. We used Kraft paper to line the beds before placing the compost on top.

I think the raised beds are looking pretty good don’t you?

Using Cedar to Construct the Beds

Apart from it’s natural beauty, cedar’s natural resistance to rot and insects was a key reason we chose it to construct our beds.

Cedar is also very durable. Several years ago, we built two raised beds made of cedar for planting flowers and a small herb garden. They have held up well, although now I use them exclusively for flowers, purely by choice, based on their location.

An additional advantage of using cedar is that when soil is added, cedar maintains it’s integrity better than plastics or composites, when the weight of the soil naturally forces itself outwards.

We also don’t like the idea of using anything that would potentially “leach” harmful, man-made materials into the soil and plants, even if it’s in very small quantities.

Proper Aeration, Drainage and Loose Soil

The soil remains healthy as the raised beds provide proper aeration and good drainage.  The loose soil allows the roots to spread and the plants to grow uninhibited. Part of our reasoning for choosing raised beds is that our land is very rocky. The beds are a great alternative, and weed control is a proverbial “breeze.”

Weed Control and Saving our Backs

I love – love – love the fact raised beds can be constructed at any height and width.  This helps accommodate any of us who have back, stretching, or bending issues. Weeds don’t grow as well, or as frequently in our raised beds, so it makes pulling them “easy-peasy.” 

In the adjacent picture, you can see that I’m able to sit and reach across the raised bed easily. 

Keep in mind that you still have the option of maintaining a regular garden, as you wish, but if you want to plant a few vegetables or have a small herb garden close to the house, raised beds are ideal! It’s especially helpful, too, if you harvest often.

Gardening is pleasant, enjoyable and more rewarding for me with the raised bed method.

We’re looking forward to adding more raised beds in the years to come.