Many people are interested in raised gardens because of the myriad of benefits that they offer. Some of those benefits include more control over soil type, improved drainage, and less weeds. Most importantly, if the native soil is not conducive to plant growth, you can fill raised beds with your own customized blend of soil.
A common question for new gardeners who have purchased raised garden beds is what they should put at the bottom. In an economy of soaring prices and inflation, it can become prohibitively expensive to fill raised garden beds. Therefore, many gardeners are seeking cheaper, more eco-friendly alternatives. This article explores how you can save time and money by using these tips to fill raised garden beds.
First Calculate the Amount of Soil Needed
To start, to gain a general understanding of how much soil you will need, you will need to calculate the amount. While it does not need to be precise, it should be taken into account in order to eliminate waste associated with purchasing too much soil. This article lists out various configurations for Vego Garden products, allowing you to easily calculate the volume of soil needed.
Try the Hugelkultur Method
To put it simply, you should put a layer of organic material at the bottom of your garden bed, which will break down and enrich the soil. This can include compost, or woody material such as logs, dry wood, branches, and leaves. Organic material is the best option, as it improves drainage as well as enriches the soil as it breaks down, and does not need to be removed from your raised beds later on.
From our experience, the hugelkultur method is the easiest and most cost-efficient method to use. Originating from a German word that means “mound or hill culture,” the hugelkultur method incorporates organic matter such as rotted hay, plant waste, and compost, which are added to the soil in layers. For best results, use sticks instead of logs and wood that has already begun to decompose, making it easier for the components to break down.
Useful tips:
The Vego Garden In-Ground Worm Composter makes sustainable and efficient gardening a breeze by turning your organic waste into rich, nutrient-dense garden bed material. Simply dig a hole in the ground of your Vego Garden, bury the Worm Composting Bin, fill with organic waste and worms, and let nature do the work. It's that simple!…In-Ground Worm Composter
What to Put at the Bottom
Some gardeners chose to implement a barrier at the bottom to keep out pests and weeds.
Below are a few materials you can use:
- Cardboard or newspaper: Cardboard is a great option if you are on a budget. You can line the bottom of your raised garden bed with cardboard and newspaper to deter pests and weeds. In order to minimize the amount of chemical substances, choose cardboard that has no tape and minimal markings.
- Stainless steel gopher net: For those that are seeking extra protection, garden coverings and nettings can be effective solutions in keeping critters from accessing your garden beds. Fortify your area with Vego Garden’s modularly designed cover system and stainless steel gopher net, created with functionality and quality at the forefront.
Description:
Free from harmful toxins and chemicals, our Gopher Net is a safe, cruelty-free way to prevent gophers and other burrowing visitors from entering your garden beds. Made from extra thick 304 grade stainless steel, the screen and staples are designed to be durable and last for decades under the soil, and are tailor-made to fit each of our popular configurations. Note: Gopher Nets are sold individually and do not include garden beds.
…Stainless Steel Gopher Net
- Landscaping fabric: Landscaping fabric can be used on the bottom of raised beds for several reasons – preventing soil erosion, promoting water retention, and most importantly, keeping out invasive grasses. Unlike cardboard, which breaks down over time, landscaping fabric will not. A disadvantage is that it limits the growth of shallow-rooted plants, the movement of earthworms, and the mixing of soils. Unless you are experiencing a pervasive weed problem, deeper beds will generally not need it.
What Not to Put at the Bottom
There are certain materials that you should avoid, as they can cause drainage issues or environmental problems.
Below are a few materials to avoid using:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to line my garden bed?
It’s not necessary to line the bottom of your raised beds, but you may choose to do so if you are experiencing pest or weed problems. If you are using a galvanized metal bed, then for the most part, lining is not necessary. The height of the metal raised beds will deter weeds, and draining conditions are usually sufficient.
Should I put rocks on the bottom of my garden bed?
You should avoid putting rocks in the bottom of your garden bed. A common myth is that this will improve drainage. Instead, this can actually increase water saturation levels as well as allow gravel to mix in with your soil, which can prove very difficult to remove later on.
How do I keep out invasive weeds like Bermuda grass from infiltrating my garden bed?
Cutting out the sod underneath your beds, then laying landscape fabric down underneath your beds work best. The fabric will allow water to pass through, but will help prevent weeds. If you cannot dig up the grass, you can also tarp it for a few weeks or months first, and that will effectively bake the grass.