Rise and Grow: Your Cool Guide to Raised Bed Gardening!

Step 1: Pick Your Spot

Find a sunny spot in your yard. Most plants need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day to thrive. Make sure it’s a place that’s easy to water and tend to.

Step 2: Size and Shape Matters

Decide how big you want your bed to be. A common size is 4 feet wide so you can easily reach the middle from either side. Depth? Aim for 8-12 inches. Length? Totally up to you and your space.

Step 3: Choose Your Materials

Wood, stone, metal—there are tons of options! Cedar and redwood are great for wood because they naturally resist rot. Just avoid treated wood since it can release harmful chemicals into your soil.

Step 4: Build It Up

Assemble your bed frame. Make sure it’s nice and sturdy. If you’re putting it on grass or soil, consider laying down some landscape fabric or cardboard first to keep those pesky weeds at bay.

Step 5:Fill It Up

Time to fill your bed with high-quality soil. A good mix is one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part peat moss or coconut coir. Add some organic fertilizers to give your plants a head start.

Step 6: Get Planting

Here comes the fun part—planting! Pick plants that do well in your climate and the current season. Pay attention to spacing so your plants have room to grow and thrive.

Step 7: Water and Chill

Keep your garden bed watered, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy. Mulch the top with straw, leaves, or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Watch for pests and diseases and provide support for your plants if needed.

Happy Gardening!