If you’re anything like me, you love spending time in your garden, tending to your plants, and watching them grow. But let’s face it, gardening can be hard work! That’s why I’m excited to share with you two items that have made my gardening experience so much more enjoyable and efficient – raised garden beds and potting benches. I have to admit, last year I messed up. I started my herb garden a little too early and my vegetable garden a little too late, but I was still able to see some of the fruits of my labor.
And I have to say raised garden beds were a game-changer for me. No more back-breaking work trying to loosen compacted soil or dealing with poor drainage. Plus, they made it much easier to control weeds and pests. And let’s not forget about the aesthetic appeal – raised beds give your garden a neat look.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, I’m confident that these two items will take your gardening to the next level. So, let’s get digging!
How to start a raised garden bed
- Location, location, location: Select a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day and has good drainage. Raised gardens can be placed anywhere including on concrete, but it’s better if the ground is leveled.
- Size and shape: Consider the space, amount of sunlight, and the number of plants you want to grow. Raised garden beds can be built in any shape, but rectangular is the most common.
- Material: Common materials include wood, metal, bricks, or concrete blocks. Avoid pressure-treated wood because it contains chemicals that can be harmful to plants and most likely you. or build your own! Ensure that it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of the soil, water, and plants. If you’re not handy with tools, you can also buy pre-built raised garden beds, I’ve rounded up a few below!
- Add filler materials and soil: To save money, you can use some yard debris such as grass clippings, logs, and leaves before filling the raised garden bed with soil. (You may want to inspect items though as sometimes you may be welcoming slugs and other pests to your garden, I learned this the hard way last year) Next add good-quality soil, filling the bed to about 2-3 inches from the top.
- Plan and plant: Plan what you want to plant in your raised garden bed based on the amount of sunlight and soil requirements. Plant the seeds or seedlings and water them regularly. You can add mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Here’s a great article sharing layout ideas.
- Maintain the garden: Water your raised garden bed regularly and check for pests and diseases. Regularly add compost to keep the soil fertile.
I hope these tips help you to be on your way to enjoying your very own home grown produce!
This post includes affiliate links for your convenience. If you choose to purchase an item through one of the links, Made by Carli will receive a small commission. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
Potting Benches Rule
But it’s not just about the beds – a potting bench is a must-have for any gardener. It provides a dedicated space to work on your plants, potting soil, and seedlings, and keeps everything you need within arm’s reach. No more running back and forth to the shed to grab tools or soil.
Plus, having a dedicated workspace for your gardening tasks can make the process much more efficient and enjoyable. They can also double as a serving station when entertaining-win-win!
When choosing a potting bench, consider the size and material, making sure it’s weather resistant: cedar, teak, and pine are popular choices because they’re weather-resistant and durable. Also, make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your gardening tasks. Check out how I stock my potting bench here.
