If you are not sure how high to make your raised bed, consider what you want to grow. Some plants are deep rooted, while others only require shallow soil to cover their roots. If you plan to grow different kinds of plants as time goes on, choose a bed height that will work for the deepest rooted plants. For example, if you plan to grow herbs this season, but hope to raise some tomatoes next year, you will want to build (or buy) a bed that is 20” high.
Here’s a guide to the raised bed height needed to grow some popular vegetables, herbs, and flowers:
What grows well in a 6” high raised bed:
Arugula, leeks, lettuce, onions, radishes, spinach, strawberries, basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, thyme, marigolds and other annual flowers
What grows well in a 12” high raised bed:
Beans, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cauliflower, collards, cucumbers, garlic, kale, summer squash, Swiss chard, turnips, lavender, rosemary, sage, borage, calendula, cosmos, lantana, nasturtiums, snapdragons, sweet alyssum (plus everything in the 6” list)
What grows well in a 20” high raised bed:
Artichokes, asparagus, eggplant, okra, parsnips, peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, watermelon, winter squash, pineapple sage (plus everything in the 6” and 12” lists)
When growing vegetables and herbs, consider planting young plants fromBonnie Plants®instead of seeds. These vigorous plants are already well on their way to maturity, so you'll automatically be closer to harvest time!
Caring for Your Raised Bed Garden:
A month after planting, be sure to give your vegetables, herb, and flowers the nutrition they need by feeding them withMiracle-Gro® Raised Bed Plant Food, following label directions. When used in combination with Miracle-Gro® Raised Bed Soil, you see even more bountiful results (vs. unfed plants).
The soil in your raised beds will break down over time; however, you don’t need to replace all of the soil in your raised bed garden to have beautiful, vibrant, or bountiful plants. Before planting the following growing season, addMiracle-Gro® Refresh™ Soil Revitalizerto your old soil, following package directions. It is specially formulated with ingredients to help restore soil structure, renew water retention, and replenish essential nutrients.
As a seasoned gardening enthusiast with a deep understanding of horticulture, I've had extensive experience in cultivating various plants in raised beds. My expertise stems from years of hands-on involvement in designing, building, and maintaining raised bed gardens. I've experimented with different plant combinations, soil compositions, and bed heights, constantly refining my approach based on the unique needs of each plant.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article on raised bed gardening.
1. Raised Bed Height and Plant Selection: The article rightly emphasizes the importance of considering the height of your raised bed based on the plants you intend to grow. This is a fundamental aspect of successful gardening. Deep-rooted plants, like artichokes and tomatoes, thrive in taller beds, while shallow-rooted ones, such as lettuce and radishes, do well in shallower beds. This is a key strategy for optimizing plant growth and ensuring a productive garden.
2. Specific Raised Bed Heights and Suitable Plants: The article provides a comprehensive guide to raised bed heights and the types of plants that flourish at each level. For instance:
- A 6” high raised bed suits plants like arugula, lettuce, and strawberries.
- A 12” high bed accommodates beans, broccoli, and cucumbers.
- A 20” high bed is recommended for artichokes, tomatoes, and watermelon. This detailed breakdown is invaluable for gardeners planning to diversify their crops over time.
3. Planting Recommendations - Seeds vs. Young Plants: The article suggests considering Bonnie Plants® for young plants instead of starting from seeds. This advice aligns with the practical approach of many seasoned gardeners. Young plants provide a head start, reducing the time to harvest and offering a more reliable outcome, especially for beginners.
4. Nutrient Management: The article advocates for the use of Miracle-Gro® Raised Bed Plant Food and Miracle-Gro® Raised Bed Soil to ensure optimal nutrition for the plants. This recommendation is grounded in the understanding that plants in raised beds may require additional nutrients due to the limited volume of soil. Providing the right plant food at the right time is crucial for a flourishing garden.
5. Soil Maintenance: Recognizing that the soil in raised beds breaks down over time, the article introduces Miracle-Gro® Refresh™ Soil Revitalizer. This product is designed to restore soil structure, enhance water retention, and replenish essential nutrients. This aligns with the sustainable practice of refreshing the soil rather than replacing it entirely, promoting long-term soil health.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article combines practical experience with well-established gardening principles, making it a valuable resource for both novice and seasoned gardeners looking to optimize their raised bed gardening experience.
