Elevated Garden Beds - Raise Vegetables the Easy Way

Raised garden beds are the perfect solution for folks who love to garden but are hindered by weakness in their legs or inability to bend or kneel for long periods of time.  They are also a great idea for folks that are wheelchair bound.   They can just roll up to the bed and plant, weed, harvest, anything a gardener wants to do, because the garden is off the ground and easily within reach.

For people not wheelchair bound but unable to stand for more than a short time, all they need is a rolling stool, and they can garden as long as they want. 

I've also decided that I am going to buy at least one raised mini greenhouse so I can start some of my plants early like lettuce and onions.  These greenhouses are very versatile, some with removable plastic tents and some with more permanent glass roofs and vented sides.  The great thing about an elevated green house is that you are not limited as to it's location.  You can move it around, if the need or desire arises.  They are easy to move for winter storage as well.

1. If your bed is wood and unfinished, I suggest that you stain it or put a coat of clear on the wood, inside and out, to help protect it.
2. Staple plastic to the sides and bottom (make sure to leave a drain opening) to help protect the wood from water rot.
3. Use a hose to drain the water away from your beds.  Letting it drain straight down can make the ground, or deck, a muddy mess.
4. Drive some nails or screws into the ends, to hang your gardening tools.
5. Store your bed in your garage or shed, or cover it with a tarp during the winter.  If left out in the open, the freeze/thaw in certain climates could damage the box.

A little bit of before and after the season care will insure many years of happy use of your elevated garden bed. 

Happy Gardening!