Cultivating Enduring Crops: Crafting Your Own 'Edible Woodland'
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In the blooming season of 2022, a diverse selection of raised garden beds and composters has emerged, catering to various gardening needs and preferences. Let's delve into the array of options available, from natural wood to modern metal constructions.
Firstly, timber raised garden beds take centre stage. These include triangular or star-shaped beds made from pressure-treated Scandinavian wood, offering advantages such as better drainage, soil compaction prevention, and earlier soil warming in spring. The timber is treated to resist fungal decay and insects, ensuring longevity[1].
Cedar raised garden beds, another popular choice, come in the form of kits made from solid cedar wood, naturally rot-resistant. These beds often boast large sizes, like the 12' x 8' x 20" kits, and may include additional features such as gates and fencing that keep pests at bay while serving as trellises. These beds are wheelchair accessible and provide ample planting space[2].
Metal raised garden beds, available in galvanized steel or corrugated metal, are a durable and modern option. They come in various sizes and often incorporate trellises, making them suitable for growing vegetables, flowers, herbs, or succulents. Some designs even include planters integrated into the raised beds[3].
Modular and specialized raised beds, such as those offered by Vego Garden in 2022, are designed for ergonomic gardening and expandability. These systems include add-ons like self-watering features, specialized planters for climbing fruits (like tomato and dragon fruit planters), and elevated beds to enhance accessibility[4].
For those with small gardens, the compact Jora JK270 Composter - 9.5 Cubic Feet is a suitable choice, while the VegTrug Raised Garden Planter - Natural Wood provides good drainage for plants, being elevated off the ground[5][6]. For those seeking a space-efficient solution, the Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds are an ideal choice[7].
The 3 x 6 Raised Garden Bed With Hinged Fencing, made from cedar, ensures durability and resistance to rot, while the 6 x 3 Patio Garden Shed is designed to store gardening tools and equipment[8]. For those seeking a deer-proof option, the Deer Proof Cedar Complete Raised Garden Bed Kit - 8 x 8 x 20" includes a bottom liner to prevent soil from spilling out[9].
In the realm of composting, the Worm Factory 360 Composter uses worms to break down organic waste, creating nutrient-rich compost[10]. The Wildflower Farms Eco-Lawn Grass Seed - 5 lb is designed for eco-friendly lawns, promoting biodiversity[11]. Lastly, the Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose - Slim 7/16" is made from lead-free materials, ensuring safe water use[12].
Written by Greg Seaman and published on May 14, 2022, this guide aims to help gardeners make informed decisions when selecting raised garden beds and composters.
Sources: [1] Triangle Timber Raised Garden Bed, Etsy, 2022. [2] Cedar Complete Raised Garden Bed Kit, Eartheasy, 2022. [3] Metal Raised Garden Beds, Wayfair, 2022. [4] Vego Garden Modular Raised Beds and Specialized Planters, 2022. [5] Jora JK270 Composter - 9.5 Cubic Feet, Amazon, 2022. [6] VegTrug Raised Garden Planter - Natural Wood, Wayfair, 2022. [7] Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds, HomeDepot, 2022. [8] 3 x 6 Raised Garden Bed With Hinged Fencing, Wayfair, 2022. [9] Deer Proof Cedar Complete Raised Garden Bed Kit - 8 x 8 x 20", Amazon, 2022. [10] Worm Factory 360 Composter, Amazon, 2022. [11] Wildflower Farms Eco-Lawn Grass Seed - 5 lb, HomeDepot, 2022. [12] Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose - Slim 7/16", Amazon, 2022.
Embracing sustainable living through home-and-garden practices, raised garden beds cater not only to diverse gardening needs but also contribute to one's lifestyle and overall well-being. With various options available, ranging from traditional timber beds to modern metal constructions, each gardener can choose a design that suits their preferences and space constraints. By making thoughtful selections and integrating composters, one can foster a vibrant home garden that promotes eco-friendliness and provides a sanctuary for flourishing plants.
