Raised Beds for Gardens
If you haven't had much luck with gardening efforts in the past, your soil
may be the problem. Tight, heavy, poorly-drained soils are common in many
areas of Texas. With good management practices and the addition of liberal
amounts of organic matter, many of these soils can be improved so that they
grow satisfactory vegetables. But if you are interested in a quick, highly-productive
vegetable garden, consider constructing a raised garden. Raised gardens
are often the simplest solution to a difficult soil problem.
Advantages of raised gardens are:
- Vegetable yields are increased because the depth of topsoil is increased.
- Raised gardens filled with a good soil or soil mix drain faster and
warm up quicker.
- Water usually soaks in rather than running off.
- Soil compaction is eliminated or reduced.
- Weeds, soil insects and soil-borne diseases are more easily controlled
since recommended treatments are more effective in raised gardens.
- Raised gardens do not have to be expensive. Construct frames of railroad
ties, bricks, flagstones or other materials. Small raised bed gardens may
even be constructed from 2x8's.