Raised bed gardening is a popular technique for growing plants. Flowers, fruits, vegetables, trees and shrubs can all be grown in raised beds.

    There are many advantages of raised bed gardening including better drainage, better root growth from improved soil, expanded growing season, maintenance and using difficult sites. There are different types of raised beds including temporary and permanent.  Simplicity is the main advantage of a temporary raised bed. There is no cost in constructing framework to hold the soil.  On the other hand, permanent raised beds are better in most situations.   You will incur the initial cost of constructing walls, however the finished product should last for years.

    When choosing construction material, be sure to try to match your existing landscape.  You have several options when choosing different types of material such as treated lumber, railroad ties, masonry or stone.

    Soil is the most important aspect of raised bed gardening.  Good quality topsoil may be used, however adding organic matter to soils with clay is essential.  Peat moss, compost and decomposed horse manure are good sources of organic matter.

 

IRRIGATION

 

    With irrigation, efficient water use is extremely important.  The most water efficient systems are soaker hose, trickle and drip irrigation.

    Watering at the soil surface or within the soil is less efficient with overhead sprinkling.  Irrigating during the cooler times of the day causes less evaporation with more absorption.  In the morning from 6:00 to 8:00 AM is ideal because leaves will dry quickly.

    Watering in the evening is also fairly efficient, however plants are more susceptible to leaf disease if the leaves stay wet too long.  Watering in the heat of the day is the least efficient way due to rapid evaporation.

 

    For more information concerning RAISED BED GARDENING and IRRIGATION, please visit our web site at http://www.mg.missouri.edu/.