Enclosed Green Space Safeguarded by Elevated Opening
Building a Cold-Climate Raised Protected Garden: A Successful DIY Project
In a remarkable display of ingenuity, Anna and Mel have created a thriving garden in a cold climate using a raised, protected garden bed. The structure, which initially started as a temporary greenhouse, has proven to be a viable alternative to a traditional greenhouse, offering numerous benefits for gardeners in chilly environments.
The key to this project lies in the construction of a sturdy raised bed frame. Anna opted for a simple design made from wood, but durable materials such as aluzinc-coated steel could also be used for added longevity. The raised design helps the soil warm up sooner in spring and reduces frost damage, making it an ideal choice for cold climates.
To elevate the bed, Anna removed topsoil from pathways and added it to the bed, effectively doubling the soil depth and improving drainage—a crucial factor in wet, cold climates to avoid soggy roots.
For the soil mix, Anna used a high-quality blend created specifically for raised beds. This mixture included compost, topsoil, and amendments tailored to her plants. Mel's Mix, a combination of 1/3 compost, 1/3 vermiculite, and 1/3 peat moss, was used for soil preparation.
To protect the garden bed from harsh cold, wind, and rain, Anna added a cover system. Clear plastic tunnels (high or low hoops), row covers, or cloches were used to trap heat and shield plants from moisture and freezing temperatures.
Mulch, such as straw, wood chips, cardboard, or newspaper, was added on top of the soil to insulate and maintain soil warmth during cold snaps.
The location of the raised garden bed was chosen carefully to ensure it received ample sunlight and was shielded from prevailing cold winds. Placing the bed near a wall or fencing helped achieve this.
Watering the plants was essential, as raised beds in cold climates and under covers dry out faster, necessitating attentive watering.
By combining raised beds with protective covering structures, gardeners can extend their growing season and successfully grow heat-loving or cold-hardy plants in chilly environments without a full greenhouse.
Anna's raised, protected garden bed, which resembles a mini greenhouse without a roof, has been a resounding success. The addition of a protective window created a real microclimate, ensuring the garden never overheats (at least in the climate mentioned) and providing direct sunlight for the plants.
Mel and Anna invite others to share their experiences in building their own cold-climate raised protected gardens. With these simple steps, gardeners can improve soil warmth, drainage, and plant survival during freezing conditions, creating a thriving garden even in the coldest climates.
- Anna and Mel used a raised, protected garden bed made from durable materials like aluzinc-coated steel to achieve a successful DIY project in a cold climate.
- To improve drainage and warm up the soil sooner in spring, Anna elevated the garden bed by removing topsoil from pathways and adding it to the bed.
- Anna used a high-quality soil mix consisting of compost, topsoil, and amendments for her raised bed plants, employing Mel's Mix during preparation.
- To safeguard the garden bed from harsh cold, wind, and rain, Anna implemented a cover system using clear plastic tunnels, row covers, or cloches, and added mulch on top of the soil for additional insulation.
- By adopting a raised, protected garden bed with a protective covering, gardeners can extend their growing season and cultivate both heat-loving and cold-hardy plants in cold climates without constructing a full greenhouse.
