4 main factors for creating the right garden beds
Content:
Such a simple and uncomplicated structure as the beds is an indispensable part of the improvement for any garden. You can't do without beds! Let's figure it out - how exactly to organize the beds on your site? Indeed, both the appearance of the plantings and their yield depend on many nuances.
Arrangement and dimensions
First of all, you need to choose a suitable place. For the beds, it is simply necessary that there is a lot of space, because it is worth considering not only the total area, but also the fact that many plants are recommended to be planted at a certain distance from each other. It will be optimal to equip the beds in the direction from north to south, thus, the plantings will receive more solar energy necessary for the growth of crops. If the allocated area is uneven and flat, a reliable reinforcement (terrace) should be organized, otherwise there is a risk of soil washing out by rainwater and floods.
We should not forget about such an important thing as the marking of the territory. Without preliminary, even approximate calculations, the bed may turn out to be uneven. The width of a standard bed varies from 50 to 70 cm, heights from 30 to 60, the planned crop yield per 1 square meter.
For the arrangement of paths between the beds, providing greater convenience and mobility, you can use materials such as rubble, tiles, lawn grass, sawdust, etc. As for the construction of the fence itself, then plastic panels, wood, polycarbonate curbs, slate, or a more expensive, but extremely reliable, steel and polyurethane curb are ideal here. Such fences are more resistant to the destructive effect of corrosion, have good strength, protecting them from mechanical damage to the beds.
Form
Oddly enough, the shape of the garden beds plays not only an aesthetic role, because the most important thing is that each planting is available to the gardener for interaction without the risk of disturbing anything.
For example, for plots with a small area, it would be most rational to use corner or radial beds. The latter are characterized by an impressive capacity, although they themselves do not take up as much space as the classic rectangular or square ones. Of course, one should not forget about the compatibility / proximity of the crops that you are going to grow in the beds. Too dense plantings can have consequences for plants, negatively affecting their growth and development. In the event that there are many plans for growing crops, that is, the option to organize beds of a multi-level type - the main thing is to check the reliability of the structure in advance and not overdo it with tiers.
The beds, built in the form of suspended structures, in car tires (best suited for strawberries), vertical (plastic pipes or boxes for seedlings are used), look quite original. If you wish, you can even organize a bed from bags, providing in advance to strengthen the material with strong threads.
Greenhouse beds
Of course, the possibilities of the beds in greenhouse structures are not limited. Even in relatively compact, 3 * 6 m in size, it is quite possible to turn around and make the most of all the allocated space with benefit.
For the sides of the beds, despite the limited space, the following can be used:
- ordinary boards
- bricks
- glass
- cut tires
As for greenhouses that are smaller in width (about 2.5 meters), then a reasonable solution would be to organize one path along with the lateral arrangement of the beds. In larger greenhouses, it becomes possible to arrange a circular path around the middle and side beds.
A practical option for beds are vertical structures made of metal pipes. In such conditions, the same strawberry will feel quite well, do not be afraid to experiment.
Particular attention should be paid to the width of the tracks, because insufficient space can significantly complicate interaction with the beds, as well as lead to careless injuries.
Warm beds
Over time, there was such a thing as “warm beds”. What is it?
Such beds involve the use of organic insulation, which may well be ordinary cow dung - a layer that perfectly warms up the soil and maintains the desired temperature for a long time. Alternatively, you can use wood chips, rags and leaves. In this case, you should wait about a week, then cover the insulation with an earthen layer and only then plant the plants.
Another design of a “warm bed” involves increasing its height with subsequent deepening into the soil. For such a bed, reliable reinforcement and appropriate soil are required. If you deepen the planting enough, then the plants can be fed with moisture and heat. Pay attention to sufficient row spacing, which can minimize the risk of developing fungal diseases and ensure normal air exchange.
Beds are a faithful assistant to every gardener in growing the vast majority of crops. The arrangement of each garden bed must be treated with care, not neglecting the reliability and expected durability of your structures.