6 Reasons Not to Make Raised Bed Gardens

Описание: As popular as raised bed gardens are around the world, there are some reasons you should consider not making them and pursuing a traditional in-ground garden. If you are researching what kind of garden you want to build, then you should watch this video!

I cover some reasons in this video as to why you shouldn't build a raised bed garden, and they are:

1 - Cost of raised beds is often high (especially with lumber prices skyrocketing in 2020)
2 - Weed Control may not be as good as you think, or better than in-ground (depending if you mulch)
3 - Soil quality for raised beds can be expensive, or not necessarily better than
4 - Vegetable Roots like to go deep! If you are making a raised bed because you have compacted soil, the roots will likely have trouble punching through after the raised bed!
5 - Garden Layout is fixed. It cannot be changed easily once built.
6 - Raised beds typically demand more water. The more-exposed sides lead to warmer soil temps, which means more water in the summer.

Disclaimer - Again, even though I said it in the video....If you are disabled, or have mobility issues.....then by all means build a raised bed garden! It is far better for everyone to garden than not. But if this isn't you, please take my video with an open mind. Soil improvement is a process, but a rewarding one. So, as long as you aren't hitting bedrock at 12", you can probably garden in ground if you want.

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Some helpful links:

My DIY Tomato Cages - low cost, strong, sturdy, and they store better than conventional cages
https://growitbuildit.com/diy-tomato-...

Read our blog post on reasons not to make raised beds: https://growitbuildit.com/reasons-you...

Want to see how deep vegetable roots like to go? I've compiled the data here from the 1926 study. It must have been an exhausting job to dig a 5-10' trench to excavate veggie roots :
https://growitbuildit.com/mature-root...

Link to the shovel I use to remove grass? - https://amzn.to/2QQFcwc (affiliate link)
pH Tester? Cheap and functional - https://amzn.to/2Mvo8g5 (affiliate link)

Regarding No-Dig gardening. Charles Dowding's is the originator as far as I can tell. At least he is the first that I'm aware of. Here is his YouTube channel. Look to him for a simple way to start a garden if you have a supply of compost or mulch.    / @charlesdowding1nodig  

Need Compost? Make your own in the simplest way possible.
   • How to make Compost - The Simplest Easy Me...  

Why you should be gathering up all of your neighbors leaves.....It is the easiest way to make a HUGE impact on your soil. See this video:    • Massive Soil Improvement Using Leaf Mulch  

How to check what type of soil you have....
Soil Ribbon Test - 5 min test.    • How to Determine Soil Type by Hand - The R...  
Mason Jar Test - Detailed 48 hr test. -    • Testing Soil Texture - Mason Jar Soil Test  

How to test Drainage. You should do this at the same time as the mason jar test:    • How to Test Soil Drainage  

And finally, if the info on veggie roots piqued your curiosity, you can read the entire 200 page book for free online:
https://soilandhealth.org/wp-content/...

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