Raised Garden Planting Tips

Raised garden beds are an ideal way to start planting flowers early in the season due to their warmer soil temperature. The raised beds drain water more easily than packed soil. Raised garden beds also allow the soil to stay healthy because there is no foot traffic inside the bed.

• Compost the garden - Raised garden beds have a limited amount of soil from which to draw nutrients. This means the nutrients in the soil become depleted quickly. Adding compost about once a month can help ensure the bed stays nutrient rich.


• Prevent unwanted roots from getting into the raised garden - Although a raised garden bed is protected from surrounding plants, it does not prevent tree roots from seeking the water and nutrients from underneath the bed. Before putting soil into your raised garden bed, place a piece of dark plastic or carpet at the bottom of the bed.


• Turn the soil often - Use a small gardening rake to turn the soil in the garden monthly. This prevents nutrients from sitting on top of the soil and not getting to the plant roots.


• Do not walk on the raised bed - Raised beds work well because the soil is loose. Walking on a raised bed will pack the soil over time.


• Install an irrigation system - Since raised garden beds drain water well they become dry quickly. It is important to install a simple drip irrigation system to help the plants constantly receive water.


• Mulch the garden after planting - Placing mulch around your garden shortly after planting will prevent unwanted weeds. Since there is a limited amount of nutrients in the soil of a raised garden any unwanted weeds can wick away nutrients from the plants.