There are many reasons to create raised garden beds. Raised
beds allow for gardening in tight spaces, planting seeds or seedlings much
closer together, leading to less weed growth. The beds can be anywhere from 6
inches to waist high, the higher beds being easier for people with back or knee
problems to enjoy gardening.
We had a long narrow space along the side of our garage that
was a breeding ground for catnip, thistle and dandelions. We also had some good
topsoil that needed to be used. So we built some 3 foot wide boxes and
transplanted our herbs to this formerly wasted space.
First, the weeds needed to be pulled, and the area leveled.
Then. we put down landscaping felt. Next, the box was put in place and filled
with good, black dirt. Finally, we put the plants in.
We chose herbs that love sun and heat. We ended up with four
beds, and the plants are: thyme, mint, sage, basil, lavender, oregano and
chamomile. We also planted asparagus between the boxes, just to see how that
would work (we'll know in about 2 years).
We gained approximately 120 square feet of gardening space
by creating raised beds. The area our herbs used to inhabit will now be used
for more vegetables.
