Ponderous grows the landscape, sluggish is the lawn. The vibrant, lively hues of Summer ripen and languish. Glowing sprays of Goldenrod permeate the garden.
Raised beds are perfect for tight spaces, questionable soil and short growing seasons. Sounds too good to be true? There’s more. Studies have shown that gardeners can grow twice as many vegetables and flowers than in the same amount of flat, yard space. Intrigued? Me too!
The height of the sides of the bed are limited only by the sky… literally. I mean you could build them as high as you want, but the higher the walls, the more soil you’ll need. Consider 1-2′ especially for deep-rooted plants like carrots and especially if you have pesky vermin roaming your garden. The higher walls will help save your back too. Keep the width to 4′ or less, so you can easily reach the center of the beds without stepping in the planter. Stick with rot-resistant lumber, logs, wood-look composite, brick, stone or concrete, and make sure to fill your beds with good soil. The soil in raised beds tends to warm faster and drain more easily, encouraging healthier root systems.
Choose a flat, level site for your raised beds. It just makes it easier when leveling the walls. Be sure the site receives plenty of sun.
What can you plant? The better question is, what can’t you plant? Just be sure to organize the space well for maximum planting. Consider planting flowers and vegetables together. And always feel free to reach out to Sweeney’s! We’ll help you achieve your lofty goals! We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!
Sweeney’s: A Plant Based Company
Plant of the Week
Blues Festival® St. John’s Wort
Beautifull rounded shrub produces bright yellow blooms amongst striking blue-green foliage mid Summer through late Summer. Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 3-4′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Drought and salt tolerant. Deer resistant.
“The luxury of all summer’s sweet sensation is to be found when one lies at length in the warm, fragrant grass, soaked with sunshine, aware of regions of blossoming clover and of a high heaven filled with the hum of innumerous bees.”
~Harriet E. Prescott
Best wishes,
Kim Sweeney
I was your neighbor on Bears Path Rd. I loved your parents and all you kids (6) or (7). I remember how much your mother loved gardening and began the nursery & landscaping. I would love to see you all again. I live with my daughter Cindi Medina now in Tucson.
Raised beds can make it easier for your kids to get involved. They will find much delight in planting something and watching it grow.
If growing veggies, include Marigolds and help keep harmful pests at bay.
Great idea to get the kids involved, and great tip on the Marigolds!