There are many benefits that come from using raised beds in your gardening. If you’re just starting out with raised garden beds, here are four easy-to-grow vegetables (and one fruit!) that will flourish.
1. Root Vegetables
Because you can control the soil and depth in a raised garden, carrots, radishes, beets, and other root vegetables are an excellent choice and will thrive with the extra space to spread out. For ideal growing conditions, make sure the soil has no rocks, debris, or clay.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes love loose, nutrient-dense soil and grow well in raised garden beds because the soil can be better controlled. Consider planting companion plants such as carrots alongside your tomatoes, which tends to increase the yield of both crops when they are grown in the same bed.
Because tomatoes grow very tall, you may want to plant them in the background of smaller plants. They will also require stakes or tomato cages to stand up.
3. Onions
Onions need a long growing season with quick-draining soil. They also require highly nutritious soil, so growing beds are perfect because you can select the exact mix of soil to use in your garden.
4. Mixed Greens
Spinach, kale, lettuce, and Swiss chard are just some of the leafy green vegetables that do well in a raised bed. For a fresh garden salad, plant a variety and harvest when the leaves reach a good size!
5. Strawberries
Since raised beds offer more control over soil type and drainage, strawberries are a great fruit to plant. The raised bed also provides some protection against slugs that may enjoy eating the berries.
Raised garden beds are great for flowers and herbs too! Your local nursery or garden center will have examples and information on the best plants for each season in your climate. Visit them today for more info on how to get started.