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Top Questions About Raised Garden Beds

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Questions About Raised Garden Beds

  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    April 1, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    The following article should be of some help to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm

    Keep in mind that you can make your planting boxes as big or small as your space or needs allow. In addition, when using wood, hardwoods tend to work best and last longer. Depending on its size, it may not require drainage holes. There is no need to place a bottom in it unless you’re planning to make a planter box that can be moved around or placed in a windowsill. Then, drainage will be important. Plastic liners can be purchased or you can do as you suggested, but make sure that there are adequate drainage holes.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    April 2, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    A north-south orientation is best for growing low growing plants, allowing sunlight to reach both sides of the beds. Beds that contain taller plants do better on an east-west axis. However, as long as the raised garden bed gets a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight and plants don't shade each other out, it really doesn’t matter either way. North to south facing simply implies that the beds (or plants) are situated from the shadiest part (north) down to the sunniest area (south), which prevents them from shading out one another.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    April 2, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    No, you do not need to till it. Depending on the size, you will either replace the soil completely every year or, for larger ones, simply add some fertilizer. You should not be using a soil medium that compacts in the boxes, so it does not need tilling.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    April 3, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    The following article should be of some help to you:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    April 6, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Yes, drainage holes would be needed and best. If drainage holes would be difficult, you can try a drainage layer. This would be a layer of rocks at the bottom where excess water can run into and not swamp the roots of the plants. For help in designing raised garden beds, this article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm

    You can also grow them in containers if your space is limited. These articles will help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/quick-guide-to-container-vegetable-gardening.htm
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/designing-your-container-vegetable-garden.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    April 7, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I like cedar, but nearly any wood can be used successfully for raised beds. You may want to line them, however, to help prevent rotting. This is also a good idea if you are using treated wood, since chemicals can leach into the soil. The following articles should be of some help to you:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    April 8, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Did you harden them off before moving them to the garden? The description you sent sounds like the plants are getting sun scalded. If you did harden them off, let me know and if you can send a pic of one of the plants, I can better identify what it might be besides sun scald.

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