Building Raised Beds

Host: Gary Bachman, Ornamental Horticulture Specialist

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Do you want a low maintenance garden? Consider building a raised bed today on Southern Gardening.

Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

A raised bed is exactly as the name suggests: a landscape or garden bed that is higher than the surrounding grade. By growing in raised beds, less time and space are needed to produce vegetables that taste so good. Raised beds offer the following advantages for gardening in Mississippi: research suggest plant growth is enhanced primarily due to the much improved drainage of the raised bed compared to in ground gardening. They aid gardeners who have sore backs and achy knees by bringing the garden up a little closer, which I really appreciate. Growing in raised beds allows the gardener to reach in the bed at both sides; and an added benefit is not only do vegetables grow well in raised beds, but flowers do as well. A raised bed can feed both the body and the soil.

The construction parameters of raised beds are quite simple. Just not over four feet wide to be able to reach over the sides without walking in the bed. Use hardscape materials to build sides for a tidy garden. And remember to use a container growing mix. It stays light and fluffy and ready for any season. Constructing raised beds and planting in them is one way to help new and old gardeners have greater success in the garden and landscape.

Until next time, I am horticulturist Gary Bachman enjoying our Southern Gardening.

Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.