Using this technique, you can effortlessly harvest plenty of fruits and vegetables, plenty of flowers, and endless herbs. Gardening in a raised loft bed is super easy!
Introduction to Raised Planting Beds
Gardening on raised raised beds is basically a hybrid gardening technique. This is half container gardening and half raised bed gardening.
Traditional raised bed planting has no bottom and is fairly large in size, while container planting has a bottom that holds soil and is much smaller than a raised bed. Raised bed gardening combines the best of both worlds.
In this way, the soil can be fully contained, and the vegetable production area is basically sized, the raised planting bed will be increased in height, allowing the gardener to work in a standing position.
Advantages of Raised Planting Beds
The benefits of gardening with a raised loft bed are many. In addition to the obvious advantages of being able to grow or pick vegetable orchids without bending or kneeling, gardening in an elevated flower box means you'll be able to enjoy:
l No weeds
No ground pests attack plant roots
No soil-borne fungal disease to contend with
No Rabbits and Groundhogs on Lettuce
Watering without setting up sprinklers or drip irrigation systems
No problem with waterlogged clay or fast-draining sandy soils
Harvest without leaving the balcony or patio
No back pain, creaking knees, or hip inflammation
How to Choose a Raised Planting Bed
Here are a few features to keep in mind when shopping for a raised loft bed.
performance
First and foremost, look for a raised bed that drains well and is made of materials that will last for years.
The elevated planter box pictured here is made of naturally corrosion-resistant cedar planks and sturdy, rust-resistant aluminum feet. It will stand up to many of nature's tests, and the legs can support hundreds of pounds of soil and plant material. There are also flower boxes in different colors for you to choose from.
healthy
Make sure your planter box is healthy, non-toxic and non-hazardous. If you plan to grow edible food, it should be free of plastic, harmful paint and stains, and chemically preserved wood.
size
Next, consider the size of the planter box. A raised bed planter box means your plant root system will be limited by the size of the planter box. Make sure the seedling soil is deep enough to provide enough space for the roots of root plants like carrots or larger plants like tomatoes, eggplants, sunflowers, etc.
The usual size of a raised bed is 90-120cm wide and 180-240cm long, at this size you can take care of every vegetable in your raised box. If you are building or setting up multiple loft beds, make sure to leave enough space between them to be able to walk between them. For long-term planting, add compost or mulch between or within the raised planter boxes to ensure that each raised bed is easily accessible.
The overall height of the loft bed is also important. Too high will make it inconvenient for you to operate, too low will make you bend over in the operating room.
maintain
Finally, it is important to consider the maintenance needs of the grower. Raised bed planting should make your life easier, not make it more complicated. Don't choose a flower box that needs to be painted or stained every day, or one that will rust, warp, or become brittle in direct sunlight.
Placing an elevated planter box
Once you've chosen the right elevated planter box for you, it's time to place it. These planter boxes can get heavy when filled with soil, so don't fill the planter box until you're happy with its location.
Most fruits and vegetables need at least 6-8 hours of full sun, so plant boxes should be placed in full sun. If the varieties you want to grow are shade-loving, place the planter in a shaded area.
Also, make sure your raised planter box is close to a water source for quick watering. After all, dragging the kettle far away every day is a big drag. So you can place the planter box close to the kitchen.
full planter box
As with open-air planting, the secret to the success of an elevated planter box is the soil. Although most raised planters are quite durable, they are not suitable for holding heavy clay-based garden soils. In fact, a mix of good quality potting soil and compost is the best option.
Mix 2/3 potting soil with 1/3 compost, add organic granular fertilizer, and you're ready to go! (Of course, if you're growing cacti or succulents; add gritty soil to the mix instead of compost)
What can an elevated planter box grow?
When it comes to planting gardeners, the possibilities are endless! There are many plants that can grow well in such an environment!
Grow compact vegetable varieties such as "Rolling Tom" tomatoes, "Fairytale" eggplants, "Mohawk Terrace" peppers, and "Thumbelina" carrots on elevated planters.
How about herbal heaven? "Spicy Ball" basil, thyme, lemongrass, rosemary and parsley all grow perfectly.
Small, dwarf berry plants, such as "Strawberry Shortcake" red raspberries, "top hat" blueberries and strawberries, are beautiful in raised raised beds and are also highly productive.
Flowers are another lovely option. Most annuals do just fine on a planter box, just be sure to include some wildflower varieties to sprinkle around the edges of the bed.
Fairytale gardens and miniature plants are another unique option, especially when the height of the planter box is level with curious little hands and eyes.
On raised planters you can even grow dwarf bushes and dwarf evergreens. Doing so will create an excellent privacy barrier between enclosed balconies, patios and porches.
