Tips to Make the Most of Raised Garden Beds

Second, because the wood is outside and is exposed to a wide variety of outdoor conditions, you'll want to make sure the wood does not rot. So, you'll want to consider whether to use pressure-treated or naturally durable and rot-resistant wood. Pressure-treated lumber contains preservatives to help the wood last longer. The concern with using treated wood for food gardens, however, is that as the wood breaks down over time, preservatives may leach into the food we eat. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has since looked into the subject and summarizes the most common dangerous preservatives. While these preservatives are no longer used for residential purposes, when considering using older or reclaimed woods, it is vital to know the wood's origin. Newer water-based wood preservatives are also available that are deemed safe for gardens, decking, playscapes, etc., such as ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary) and borates.

While pressure-treated wood sold today is considered safe by the EPA for home gardening purposes, treated lumber does not comply with USDA certified organic standards. The solution when you are growing food is to look for naturally rot-resistant wood species. Although more expensive, wood like cedar and redwood will not leach chemicals into the garden and will still last a solid ten to twenty years.

You might also want to consider alternatives to wood. Loll Design planters, for example, are made out of recycled milk jugs and are 100 percent recyclable. This sturdy material will not rot and can enhance any outdoor space with its multitude of color options.

2. Plant Strategically

There are many ways to help optimize the garden's bloom or yield without using harmful chemicals found in fertilizers. Understanding the basis of permaculture—the design principles of natural ecosystems—can help you better plan the garden as a system, mimicking nature's synergism and resilience. Companion planting, which means locating plants next to each other that benefit each other enforces nature's synergism, which is another strategy. For example, tall plants like corn can support certain climbing plants such as beans. Sprawling plants like potatoes minimize open soil areas where weeds may take root. Plants with long taproots enrich the topsoil by drawing nutrients from the bottom soil layers upwards. On the other hand, some plant species may inhibit each other's growth. Garlic and onions, for instance, stunt the growth of peas and beans. This garden planner for flowers, vegetables, and herbs can help you plan the garden layout, also giving insights for companion planting.

For further water efficiency, consider the pioneering SkyDrop Irrigation System. SkyDrop has smart technology that can connect through your home's Wi-Fi to your local weather forecast to self-program when to water your lawn or garden. SkyDrop also considers elements such as the types of vegetation,  sprinklers you use, shade and slope of the yard, as well as the wetness of the soil measured by in-ground sensors.

For non-food garden beds, there are even more innovative irrigation system alternatives. A rainwater harvesting system, for example, stores rainwater runoff from your roof in a large cistern, ready to be used for lawn and garden irrigation.  Blackwater or greywater system may be used to recycle water from toilets, sinks, and showers that are filtered and decontaminated before reuse. Black water and greywater systems, however, should not be used for food gardens, as even the filtered and decontaminated water is not safe for human consumption. 

Make the Most of Your Raised Garden Beds

Gardening in raised beds can help boost your lawn's productivity while alleviating many typical gardeners' woes. Consider these tips to be more efficient, obtain more yield, and optimize your garden beds even further.

Do you have your own raised garden bed tips? What are your favorite foods and flowers to grow in your raised beds? Tell us about your raised garden beds below!

Samantha Aimone is a student at Fordham University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with dual concentrations in finance and social innovation. Samantha is a change maker, and she is driven to help businesses attain sustainability through disruptive innovation.