Cultivating Optimal Nutrition in Your Elevated Garden Boxes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Published on April 10, 2018
By Shannon Cowan
Raised garden beds have gained popularity among gardeners due to their versatility and numerous benefits. These beds can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, and metal, but cedar raised garden beds stand out for their natural rot resistance, long durability, and safety for growing edibles without chemical preservatives.
Cedar contains natural oils that make it robust against decay and pests, allowing it to last much longer than untreated pine—often tripling its lifespan—and it gradually fades to a pleasant gray rather than cracking[4]. This makes cedar ideal for raised beds intended for perennial or long-term use. Additionally, cedar’s density and lack of need for chemical treatment make it safer for vegetable gardening, preventing harmful chemicals from leaching into food crops[4].
Best practices for using cedar raised garden beds include building them with proper drainage, using hardware cloth at the bottom to prevent underground pests, filling them with custom soil mixes, adding mulch layers, positioning them at accessible heights, and planning bed sizes for the available space. Raised beds improve soil control and drainage, which benefits root health and reduces issues like waterlogging and root rot[1][2][3]. Installing hardware cloth under the bed helps prevent underground pests like voles but still allows root growth[1]. Mixing compost, amendments, and soil to suit the specific plants for optimal growth is essential[1][3]. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth with little effort[1]. Building beds at heights between 12–36 inches reduces bending strain and enables comfortable gardening, especially beneficial for those with mobility issues[2][3]. Considering available yard space when designing beds ensures that they fit comfortably within the available area[2].
Cedar raised beds can be customized to fit the needs of the gardener, including the size and shape of the bed. Various kits are available, such as the Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds, the Cedar Complete Raised Garden Bed Kit - 8 x 8 x 20", the Deer Proof Cedar Complete Raised Garden Bed Kit - 8 x 8 x 20", and the Farmstead Raised Garden Bed. Additionally, options like the 3 x 6 Raised Garden Bed With Hinged Fencing, the Composite Raised Garden Bed - 4 x 8, and other kits can be found to suit different preferences and requirements.
Using raised garden beds can help prevent soil erosion and improve the overall health of the soil. They can also be used to create a raised seating area for relaxing or entertaining. With their numerous benefits and customizable options, cedar raised garden beds are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enhance their gardening experience.
