This year I’ve been seeing examples of raised beds
all over Chicago that make me wish I would have created raised beds
when I started my garden. Instead of digging through hard clay to try
to create a hospitable area for plants I could have built a few raised
beds and saved myself some back breaking digging. While you usually see
raised beds in vegetable gardens that can be used to grow ornamental
plants too.
In the photo above from Rick Bayless’ urban edible garden the raised bed is located on the right along the wall covered in ivy.
Usually raised beds are created from wood but a neighbor of mine has a border around her garden of raised beds created from cinder blocks that were painted red.
Here’s a video that demonstrates just how easy it is to build raised beds in your garden.
Examples of raised beds from other Chicago gardeners in the Flickr pool can be found here and here.
Filed under: I wish I knew then, Starting a Garden
Tags: Frugal Gardening, Gardening Tips, Small Space Gardening
You can also make eminently moveable raised beds with plastic storage bins if you're not good with a hammer and wood. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage, and it's a good idea to place them up on wooden pallets for air flow.
Hey Xan,
That's a really good idea. Thanks for sharing it.
That first photo rocks! I have my containers and pots on wooden pallets, being on a rooftop they not only provide airflow but relief from the hot tar.
Ohiomom,
Another excellent tip. Thanks for sharing it.