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| Front lawn in an urban area has been replaced with raised beds and drip irrigation. Photo source: COPE Family Center Water Wise Garden |
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| Simple mound raised bed Photo source: The Gardener's Eden |
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| Wheelchair accessible raised beds Photo source: James Hopkins Trust Sensory Garden |
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| Raised bed kits are available in different shapes and sizes. Photo source: Yard Elves blog |
Raised bed gardening is a system of gardening where planting beds are raised above the surrounding soil. The height of the bed depends on the objectives for the garden.
Raised beds can be using in flower gardens and are popular in vegetable gardening. Raised beds can be designed for easy access for persons with disabilities.
Raised beds can be designed with the water wise landscape in mind.
Benefits of Raised Bed Gardens for Water-Wise Landscapes
- More efficient use of space
- Extends the growing season by warming soil more quickly in spring
- Improves drainage
- Improved soil conditions increase vegetable production
- Drip irrigation systems are easily adapted to raised beds to improve watering
- Mulch is retained within a contained bed
Raised beds can be as simple as a mound of soil piled higher than the surrounding soil or as complex as desired. Any non-toxic material can be used to make beds that contain and support the soil. Wood frames are the most common. Make sure that the beds are easily accessible, keeping width to about 4 feet or less depending on arm reach.
Additional Resources:
West
California - Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening
Midwest
Ohio - Raised Bed Gardening
Minnesota - Raised Bed Gardens
Missouri - Raised-Bed Gardening
Southeast
Alabama - Raised Bed Gardening
