Find the Right Fit: Matching Your Garden Bed Style to the Space You Have

You’ve made the sustainable choice to plant and harvest your vegetables. But, how do you decide between a raised bed or an in-ground garden? For vegetable gardening, it’s wise to research in-ground plots versus raised beds in boxes to give you the best results.

Here are six things Wood Country Building Services recommends that you consider before getting started:

1. Soil Composition

The area you choose for a garden should have soil that is workable and consists of more than just clay. Gardens should consist of a mix of organic matter, have a loose texture to allow root growth, absorb water, and drain well. A sandy loam is the best soil for growing plants. Healthy soil is also packed with beneficial microorganisms (worms to help the decomposition of leaves and other healthy plant material). If the soil is already prepped, let the gardening begin.

If your soil isn’t garden-ready, this may be an opportunity to build raised beds and put treated soil in the boxes for the perfect growing environment. Soil, special mixes, and worms can be added as needed to start growing.

2. Depth of Soil

A minimum depth of 12” of soil is required for root and plant growth, but anything up to 24” is better. The deeper soil allows for better root growth, moisture retention, and a better vegetable success rate.

3. Ease of Access

Raised beds are more easily accessible. Many gardeners appreciate raised beds over in-ground gardening for easier access without bending or kneeling. The raised beds allow people in wheelchairs and those using a walker to work the garden. If you are a gardener with mobility issues, it’s best not to make the box beds too wide to keep the entire garden accessible. Box beds can make weeding easier, but if you prefer a garden plot to a raised bed, a cultivator goes a long way in keeping weeds at bay.

4. Keeping Pests Out of the Garden

Even if your garden is completely fenced, squirrels, rabbits, moles, and voles can get into gardens and celebrate Thanksgiving every day. A raised bed provides a challenge for the little critters and gives the garden a better chance of growing. Various netting options are available to help keep the larger critters out of the garden.

5. Weeds in the Garden

Weeds are inevitable; however, placing a barrier in the box beds (cardboard or landscaping fabric) will assist in keeping the creepers from climbing into the beds. Regular weeding, whether plots or beds, will be beneficial in keeping weeds to a minimum.

6. Versatility

Box beds are versatile and can be placed in an organized fashion that suits the gardener. If your yard has limited space, you can use patio space for smaller boxes. Box gardening is a great way to start small and work up to more boxes. Plot gardens must be started in the ground and could take up a good part of your backyard.

Materials

Whether planting in the ground or a box, adding a garden to your outdoor space is a DIY project that can be done in an afternoon, even if this is your first home gardening experience. Drop by to pick up the tools and materials at Wood Country Building Services. Here is what you need for each type of garden:

Raised Bed

To build a standard 4' x 8' raised bed, you need two 8’ pieces of lumber for the long sides and two 4’ pieces for the short sides.

For a standard 4' x 4' bed, you need four pieces of 4' lumber.

You will also need:

• 2x4 or 4x4 stakes
• Drill and bits or a screwdriver
• Deck screws
• Nutrient-rich compost mix
• Cardboard or newspaper (optional)

If you want a deeper garden bed, double up your lumber and stack two boards on each side. This gives your plants more room to grow, especially root vegetables. It also helps with drainage. Just remember to use longer screws and reinforce the corners to keep everything secure.

Tip: If you don’t own a saw, ask your local lumber yard to cut the wood before you take it home.

Ground Gardening

• Edging shovel
• Nutrient-rich compost mix
• Sod cutter or sharp spade to remove the grass

You’ll also need gardening tools and supplies to maintain your garden. Here is our must-have vegetable garden supply checklist:

• Trowel
• Pruning shears
• Garden rake
• Angled shovel
• Watering can or hose

Other Ways to Grow Your Vegetables

If you’d love to harvest fresh vegetables and herbs for your meals but don’t have a lot of outdoor space, don’t give up. There are many other ways to grow fresh vegetables:

• Hanging pots
• Vertical gardens
• Pots and containers
• Window boxes
• Indoor gardens

Ready to get started? We can help you grow a bountiful and rich garden. Shop with us for tools and supplies.