The Built Up Garden Beds That Transform Clay Soil Into Vegetable Paradise

Written by Justin “Love” Lofton

Raised Garden Bed Basics

Ideal Heights for Different Plants

Alright, let's talk about raised garden beds and how tall they should be for your plants to thrive. The height of your bed can make a big difference in how well your plants grow. Here's a quick rundown:

• Herbs: If you're growing herbs like oregano, rosemary, mint, sage, basil, and thyme, you're in luck. These guys have shallow roots and only need about 6 inches of soil. But if you're into cilantro, parsley, or dill, aim for a 12-inch bed because they have taproots that dig deeper.
• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, arugula, and spinach are cool with 6 inches of soil. But if you're growing romaine, Swiss chard, or smaller kale, give them at least 12 inches to stretch their roots.
• Tomatoes: These need a bit more love. A 15 to 18-inch deep bed is perfect for their sprawling roots and heavy feeding habits.
• Cucumbers, Squash, and Zucchini: Just like tomatoes, these veggies need 15 to 18 inches of soil to keep their roots happy.
• General Recommendation: For plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, and kale, 18 inches is the sweet spot. It helps with drainage, so roots don't get soggy, which is a big no-no for most plants.

Materials for Constructing Beds

Now, let's chat about what to use for building those beds. Picking the right stuff is key for making sure your garden lasts and your plants stay healthy. Here's what we suggest:

• Cedar: This wood is tough and great for garden beds. Steer clear of chemically treated boards that might mess with your soil. Go for thick boards, about two inches, to make sure they last.
• Raw Wood: Cedar's a favorite because it naturally fights off rot and bugs.
• Wood Stains or Paint: If you want to protect the wood, use non-toxic stains or paints that are safe for your plants.
• Treated Wood: It lasts longer, but make sure it's safe for veggies to avoid any nasty chemicals.
• Cinder or Concrete Blocks: These are super sturdy and make for solid beds.
• Composite Wood: This mix of wood fibers and plastic is tough and resists rot.
• Galvanized Metal: Metal beds last a long time and don't rot, but they can get hot in the sun, which might mess with your soil's temp.
• Pre-Made Kits: These are easy to use and come in all sorts of materials like wood, metal, and composite.

For more tips on building and keeping up with your raised garden beds, check out our articles on raised garden bed and raised garden kits.

Advantages of Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds are like the VIP section of the gardening world, offering perks that can really up your green thumb game. Let's chat about two biggies: better dirt and happy roots.

Improved Soil Quality

One of the coolest things about raised garden beds is that you get to be the boss of your soil. Unlike the usual ground-level gardens, these beds let you whip up the perfect soil cocktail for your plants. This is a lifesaver if your backyard dirt is more like a mud pit or a rock quarry, or if it's got some nasty stuff lurking in it.

By mixing in top-notch soil and compost, you’re basically giving your plants a five-star buffet of nutrients. This soil control helps roots stretch out and dig deep, making your plants stronger and healthier. Plus, raised beds keep roots away from any bad stuff in the ground, so you can grow a killer garden no matter what’s going on below.

Enhanced Root Growth

Raised garden beds are like a penthouse for roots, with plenty of room to spread out. When roots have space to grow, plants get bigger and healthier. A good rule of thumb is to make your raised beds at least a foot deep, giving roots the room they need to do their thing (Homestead and Chill).

The soil in raised beds is also great for letting air and water move around, which roots love. This setup helps plants grow strong and produce more. Plus, with plants at eye level, you can easily spot and deal with any pesky bugs trying to crash the party.

Want to get started with your own raised garden bed? Check out our guides on raised garden bed kits and raised garden boxes DIY.

Raised Beds vs. In-Ground Gardens

Choosing between raised beds and in-ground gardens? Let's break it down, looking at cost, setup time, weed control, and keeping those pesky critters at bay. This should help you figure out which option suits your green thumb best.

Cost and Setup Time

Raised beds can be a bit of a wallet drainer compared to in-ground gardens. You're looking at around $125 per bed just for materials and soil, and that's not counting tools and other bits and bobs (Gardenary). If you're planning on a whole bunch of them, the costs can stack up faster than a pile of autumn leaves.

Setting up raised beds takes a bit more elbow grease than in-ground gardens. But once they're up, you're good to go. In-ground gardens might take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to get ready, depending on how big your patch is and what shape the soil's in.

Weed Control and Pest Exclusion

Raised beds are like the bouncers of the garden world when it comes to weeds. The fresh, clean soil and those tall walls keep the weeds at bay (Gardenary). Less weeding means more time for sipping lemonade in the shade.

Raised beds also give pests like slugs, snails, rabbits, birds, squirrels, and cats a run for their money. The height makes it tougher for these critters to crash your plant party, giving your veggies a fighting chance.

Besides keeping weeds and pests in check, raised beds are easier on the back. Their height means less bending, which is a win for anyone with creaky joints. Plus, the loose soil is a breeze to work with using just hand tools—no need for big, noisy machines.

For more handy tips on setting up and keeping your raised beds in tip-top shape, check out our articles on raised garden bed and gardening in raised beds.

So, whether you're counting pennies, short on time, or just want to keep the weeds and pests away, both raised beds and in-ground gardens have their perks. Pick the one that fits your style and get ready to grow a garden that’ll make your neighbors green with envy!

Raised Bed Gardening Tips

Depth and Width Recommendations

Alright, folks, let's talk about getting those raised beds just right. The size of your garden beds can make or break your plant's happiness. Here's the lowdown on what you need to know:

Depth Recommendations

Plants are like people—they all have their own needs. Here's a quick cheat sheet:

• Herbs: Most herbs like oregano, rosemary, mint, sage, basil, and thyme are pretty chill with just 6 inches of soil. But if you're growing cilantro, parsley, or dill, give them a bit more room—12 inches should do the trick. They like to stretch their roots a bit more (Gardenary).
• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, arugula, and spinach are easygoing and can thrive in 6 inches of soil. But if you're into romaine, Swiss chard, or kale, aim for 12 inches to keep them happy (Gardenary).
• Tomatoes: These guys are the divas of the garden. They need at least 15 to 18 inches of soil to spread their roots and soak up all the nutrients they crave (Gardenary).

Width Recommendations

Width matters too, folks. You want to be able to reach your plants without doing a balancing act:

• Minimum Width: Go for at least 3 feet wide. This gives your plants room to grow and keeps them within arm's reach.
• Maximum Width: Cap it at 4 feet. This way, you can reach the middle without squishing the soil and upsetting your plant babies.

Need more help planning? Check out our raised bed planner.

What to Put in the Bottom of Beds

The bottom of your raised bed is like the foundation of a house. Here's what you can use to keep things solid:

• Cardboard or Newspaper: Lay down some cardboard or newspaper to keep weeds at bay. It breaks down over time, adding some good stuff to your soil.
• Coarse Organic Material: Toss in some straw, leaves, or small branches. This helps with drainage and keeps the soil nice and airy.
• Compost: Top it off with compost to give your plants a nutrient boost and introduce some friendly microorganisms.

For more tips on setting up your raised beds, swing by our guide on raised garden bed kits.

By sticking to these depth and width tips and using the right stuff at the bottom, you'll set your plants up for success. Happy gardening, y'all!