Every gardener knows that a good harvest is really important. But more importantly, these are the beds that allow you to conveniently care for the plants and harvest. It is for such a case that there are so-called "high" beds, which you can make with your own hands.
Pros and features of high beds
Due to the fact that the beds are raised above ground level, the soil has time to warm up much faster in the spring, which speeds up planting. In addition, the mulch is not removed from the surface during gusts of wind, but remains in place.
Well-made tall boxes also do an excellent job of drainage, avoiding stagnant moisture and root rot.
This design also protects against sudden temperature fluctuations, allowing faster and easier soil cultivation. In addition, such beds help to select the soil individually for each structure or plants planted in them, which allows you to increase yields.
Dimensional parameters of the beds
First of all, it is worth considering the ideal dimensional parameters for the construction of future beds. The best height will be 10-40 cm. If the structure will be placed on high-quality soil, their height can be halved. If the soil is not too good, raise the walls of the beds higher.
The increased height makes the maintenance of the beds more comfortable. In addition, by raising the soil to a higher level, you reduce the number of diseases and pests that could affect your plants and plantings. This will also reduce the amount of chemicals needed.
The ideal width of the structures is up to 110 cm. It is optimal that the beds are planted in no more than two rows. This will increase yields and allow the plants to get the same amount of sun. An excessive number of rows creates the likelihood that the central ones will not receive the required amount of light and air.
The length must be selected based on the amount of space in the area that you want to allocate for sowing. Often, such structures are created with a length of 1.5-3 meters. This allows you to make the beds neat and compact.
Choosing the right place
An important point is choosing the right place for placement. Place the structure in the lightest spots that are optimal for growing plants in tall containers. Please note that light at these points must be present daily for at least 6 hours.
If your design does not have a back deck, place some cardboard or old newspapers on the grass. This will keep weeds from growing. If the bottom surface is present, choose a material that, in contact with water, will not rot.
Basic materials for the beds
For the construction of high beds, you can use a variety of materials - from wood to stone and even plastic, from which it is easy to make a structure of the desired shape.
Wood
One of the simplest, most affordable and demanded materials. Larch is a good solution: resin-coated boards increase the lifespan of the entire structure.
Before making the structure, process the boards. Use a specialized wood stain, paint or varnish to prevent rotting and decay. The cheapest option is regular lime.
Important! After you form a box of wood planks and set it up on the ground, use special barriers to prevent the roots of fruit trees from penetrating the ground nearby.
Stone
Quite expensive material, however, ensuring the durability of the structure itself. When manufacturing, it is necessary to dig a special recess up to 30 cm, and then put roofing material on its bottom. The next step is to use sand and only then lay the stones. Remember that the surface of the stones must be filled with a special solution so that they hold on tightly. After the mortar has dried (this usually takes about three weeks), you can add soil and plant the plants.
Brick
A brick structure is as close as possible to a stone one, not only in terms of high cost, but also in strength and durability. In order to build brick beds, you can use the same principle as for the stone option. You also need a good sense of taste to lay out the bricks in a way that looks aesthetically pleasing in your yard.
Important! If you want to improve the yield of your beds, add a little compost before filling the soil.
Slate
Many of us have pieces of slate lying around in the country that can be used with benefit. Such material differs from the rest in its increased strength, as well as a fairly affordable price.
In the process, it is necessary to divide the slate into plates of the desired length. After that, slate panels are laid in a specially dug recess, tightly tamped into the ground. In order for the structure to be more durable, special fasteners can be used at the corners.
Important! Do not hammer the slate into the beds with a hammer or any tool, as there is a risk that it will be damaged and crumble.
Plastic
In this embodiment, you can use two types of plastic. The first is special plastic panels. They keep warm well, creating the effect of a greenhouse, serve for a long time and do not rot from the use of moisture. In addition, the movable plastic allows you to create structures of any shape.
A more economical option is ordinary plastic bottles, which can be found in abundance in any home. However, it is recommended to use it only as a last resort, since it will be difficult to achieve complete tightness, and over time, the bottles will lose their appearance.
Wood waste
Among these, it is worth noting budget bales of straw or branches, which are present in abundance at every summer cottage with fruit trees. The construction of a structure made of straw is as simple as possible: lay out cardboard on the ground, on top of it - bales, which are then fastened with dense, high-quality wire. Water or fertilize the straw abundantly before adding soil and planting.
Interesting fact: Straw beds are ideal for colder climates, as the straw heats up and heats the soil beneath it much faster. In the case of branches, you must first fence off the planting area with sharp, high pegs. And then they need to be wrapped in branches, pressing tightly against each other. Put small branches on the bottom or in the depression, which will act as drainage. Line the perimeter with a nonwoven polymeric material (spunbond) that will retain soil and water.
Continuing the topic of a summer residence, a garden, a vegetable garden, read also about why you shouldn't build high fencesbecause there are eight good reasons for this.