Lesson 8: Raised Beds And Container Gardening
In today's world of limited time and space, it often appears impossible to enjoy gardening. This lesson will open your eyes to the wonderful world of raised bed or container gardening.
What Are Raised Beds And Why Use Them?
Raised bed gardening has increased in popularity over the last 8 years. These systems allow everyone to have a productive space for their hobby. The raised systems can be permanent or temporary. Essentially, a raised system is a contained, defined area of space, filled with its own soil, and ideally, its own irrigation system.
This system has helped many gardeners overcome extremely poor soil and accessibility problems. A big benefit of a raised bed is productivity. Planted correctly, these beds can double or triple certain yields and maximize space.
Who uses them? Schools, hospitals, public gardens and community centers all make use of this intensive system. Because of the ability to reach all areas of the beds many wheelchair bound patients find hours of relaxation and peace in the garden. They are also ideal for children as they don’t require excessive bending and reaching.
Raised beds can be visually stunning when planted with an array of colors and textures. Imagine the deep purple of eggplant, the silvery color of lambs ears, nestled with bright yellow coreopsis, pink marguerites, and fire red salvias. Add a few deep broad-leaved greens and you have a delightful vista to contemplate on a warm summer's evening.
You can create the beds out of stone, brick, or cedar, or purchase pre-formed kits. The possibilities are only limited by imagination and your pocketbook. If you have ever been defeated by impossible soils or disabilities, building these beds will give you years of pleasure and intense satisfaction.
Topic of Discussion: Have you ever thought of using a raised bed system? What would you use to build one?
This link brings you to an interesting and informative look at enabled gardening:
http://www.gardenforever.com/pages/arten...
