Gardening: How To Grow Your Own (Planting Raised Beds)

Raised beds warm up quicker in the spring, protect crops from cold snaps in the winter, have better drainage, protect from flash flooding, allow for higher yields of crops, act as a living mulch to reduce weeding, and save time and effort in gardening.

Raised beds can be made from wood (such as scaffold boards or pallets), woven willow, or any other available materials. It's recommended to use untreated wood and avoid using sleepers, as they contain chemicals that can leach into the soil.

The key is to be able to reach all parts of the bed without leaning on or treading on the soil. It's recommended to pick a dimension that is double your own stretch and ensure that the bed can be reached from both sides. The width can be as wide as desired, but it's suggested to not go much wider than three meters to avoid navigation difficulties.

The paths can be narrow enough for tiptoeing along, but if a wheelbarrow will be used, it's recommended to include generous parts to allow for maneuvering.

It's important to follow the traditional crop rotation system to avoid pests and diseases building up in the soil. Most importantly, grow the things you like, as you're the one who will be eating them.