5 Ways to Rock Your Elevated Garden Beds

Greetings, my fellow green thumbs! So you're thinking about adding elevated garden beds to your garden? Fantastic choice! I can relate, especially when my back has felt a whole lot better since switching over. Before selecting your elevated bed, let's explore five killer ways to maximize your elevated gardening experience, drawing some inspiration from my own experiences and insights! 

1. Theme Garden

Maybe it’s time to specialize? Perhaps you love carrots, maybe you're a kale fanatic, or just obsessed with herbs. Well, you’re in luck. Elevated beds are ideal for focusing on a single type of plant. Picture your garden bed packed with different tomato varieties or bursting with perennials – the possibilities are simply endless! Themed gardening also simplifies plant care efforts, since you're dealing with a single or limited range of plant needs.

2. Organized Chaos

This is my go-to method and a great option for elevated planting. Before getting my hands dirty, I like to lay out my plants before me - think of it as a pre-planting organization. First, I would arrange shorter flowering plants like zinnias at the front, while letting taller veggies like cucumbers or kale take center stage in the back of the bed. This ensures all your plant varieties get enough sun, and you’re also rewarded with a stunning layered garden display. It’s like a little piece of elevated landscape!

3. Vertical Gardening

Don't limit yourself to just your elevated surface! Use trellises or stakes to grow climbing plants like beans, eggplants, or cucumbers vertically. This will maximize the space in your elevated bed, creating a stunning vertical display and more visual interest. It's all about making the most out of your available space. 

4. Companion Planting 

Certain plants just thrive together, and that’s what synergy is all about! For example, flowers like marigolds deter pests, making them the ideal companion for your veggies. Research companion planting pairings to create a complementary ecosystem in your elevated beds. It’s an effective pest control strategy and a visually appealing way to plant.

5. Edible Landscapes 

Try combining your ornamental and edible plants for a truly breathtaking garden space. Intersperse your vegetables with some vibrant blooms, or combine your herb collection with other plants. Aside from growing food for homemade meals, this also creates a beautiful functional space that delights the senses for gardening satisfaction. 

A Final Tip

Aside from incorporating elevated beds, having quality garden soil is also essential and lays the foundation for planting success! You should mix organic soil with worm castings or compost – it's like a spa treatment for your plants. And remember, when in doubt, just ask your neighbors or other gardeners for help! 

All in all, elevated garden beds are an aesthetically pleasing and highly versatile way to boost your garden, whether you’re dealing with physical limitations or just want a more accessible gardening experience. They can be used in various creative ways to make gardening a joy rather than a chore. Their ease of assembly means you can quickly set up a garden that suits your physical needs with ease, hassle-free. 

So try some of these recommended tips for elevated gardening, whether it’s layering plants, utilizing vertical space, or practicing companion planting, and you’’ll be on your way to creating a thriving garden that’s both beautiful and functional.