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Page 10 · column 3 of 9 · from the scan, no model involved
By DIANE RELF
Virginia Tech Extension
Home Horticulturist
Gardening in raised beds has a number of advantages, not the least of which is that it reinforces a certain amount of self-discipline at critical times. For example, when I’m tempted to buy an extra dozen plants, I’m stopped by the realization that a larger garden involves a lot more than pulling out the old rototiller.
In fact, I’ve probably saved enough on seed, plants, and gasoline to compensate for the cost of materials used in converting to raised gardens. Yet, I have a higher yield with less annual labor than I ever did with a traditional garden.
Among the advantages I’ve discovered from raised gardening are:
—The soil drains faster and warms up more quickly in the spring; therefore, I get an earlier harvest.
—Labor in weeding is reduced. Close planting in the beds shades out most weeds and heavy sawdust mulch in the pathways eliminates still more.
—Yields of vegetables are increased because the soil is deeper.
—Soil compaction is eliminated because you rarely step into the beds.
—Earthworms thrive in the moist environment.
—Water soaks in rather than runs off. However, as the summer progresses, raised beds dry out faster and require watering more frequently.
—It’s easier to extend the growing season by converting individual raised beds into cold frames with the use of plastic or fiberglass covers.
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