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Published on January 26, 2017, by Susannah Shmurak
In the realm of gardening, raised garden beds with cedar frames have gained popularity for their numerous benefits and ease of use. These beds offer a sturdy, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for growing a variety of plants, from vegetables to flowers and herbs.
### The Advantages of Cedar Raised Garden Beds
Cedar's natural rot-resistance and durability make it an ideal choice for raised beds. This means less need for chemical treatments and replacements, contributing to a more eco-friendly gardening experience.
Additionally, raised beds naturally drain better than in-ground gardens, preventing waterlogging and root rot. The open-bottom design typical of cedar raised beds ensures proper drainage.
Raised beds also warm earlier in spring due to their elevated position above ground level, extending the growing season. They can reduce pest intrusion, especially when combined with hardware cloth at the bottom to keep moles and mice out.
Space efficiency and accessibility are other advantages. Raised beds, especially L-shaped or elevated cedar beds, can fit into corner spaces or patios and can be built at ergonomic heights to reduce bending and back strain.
Lastly, the natural look of cedar complements garden landscapes, adding an attractive touch to any garden.
### Best Practices for Using Cedar Raised Garden Beds
To maximise the benefits of cedar raised garden beds, it's essential to follow some best practices. Choosing the right size is crucial, with standard cedar boards being about 1 inch thick and 5.5 inches high. Beds can be stacked to increase depth depending on plant root requirements.
Using rust-proof hardware, such as stainless steel corner pins and cross-supports, helps maintain bed integrity, preventing wood bowing and prolonging lifespan.
Preparing the bed base is also important. Place permeable weed barriers or wire baskets lined with heavy-duty landscape fabric at the bottom to keep soil in place and prevent weed growth, especially if the bed has no solid bottom.
Selecting appropriate soil is vital, using a quality mix of soil and compost for good drainage and nutrient retention. Ensure plants are suited for the bed's soil depth, as some vegetables need 18-24 inches root depth.
Finally, regular maintenance is necessary, though cedar generally needs minimal chemical maintenance due to its natural rot resistance.
In conclusion, by combining these benefits and best practices, cedar raised garden beds provide a sturdy, sustainable, and productive gardening solution suitable for a wide range of plants. This article also highlights the use of products such as the VegTrug Raised Garden Planter, the Worm Factory 360 Composter, and the Jora JK270 Composter, all of which can contribute to a thriving garden ecosystem.
Green home lifestyle can be cultivated through the use of cedar raised garden beds for home-and-garden. Cedar's rot-resistance and durability, combined with its natural look, makes it an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing choice for growing a variety of plants.
