How do I Landscape With Raised Garden Beds?

Raised garden beds in the landscape are both practical and attractive. They ensure good-quality, well-drained soil while softening and adding color to the landscape. These beds can fit any landscaping style, from informal to formal, and they can be used to grow everything from flowers to vegetables. Raised beds highlight patios, frame entryways and provide a setting that beautifies the home. However, poorly designed beds can have the opposite effect, detracting from the home's appearance.

Graph paper
Twine or hose
Half-moon edger or shovel
Rake
Soil amendments (if necessary)
Plants
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Draw your yard on graph paper. Begin with the home's layout, including windows, patios, driveways and sidewalks. Add existing trees and shrubs. Consider the views from both the outside and the inside of the home.
- 2
  
  This shrub will compete with the surrounding flowers for nutrients.
  
  Sketch possible placement of raised garden beds. Use curved lines for an informal style and straight lines for a formal appearance. For vegetable gardens, straight-edged beds are simpler to plant and maintain. Keep informal beds balanced but not identical: do not weigh down one side of the yard and neglect the other. Do not place beds under trees or around existing shrubs.
- 3
  
  A garden hose is a handy tool when laying out a design.
  
  Lay out heavy twine or garden hose according to your sketch. Walk around the yard and view the potential beds from decks, windows and patios. Look for problems such as utility boxes, meter access, slow-draining areas and deep, dry shade from eaves. Consider sunlight at different times of the day. Redesign the beds as necessary.
- 4
  
  Complex plans are high maintenance.
  
  Draw circles, ovals, or other symbols on the sketch of the raised beds to mark placement of various flowers. Keep mature plant size in mind; place taller plants toward the back of each bed. Note bloom times, sun and water requirements or special needs of the plants. Plan groups of herbaceous flowers rather than individual plants that clutter the flowerbed. Use odd numbers of plants, like three day lilies or five salvia, to prevent an artificial appearance.
- 5
  
  Edging prevents lawn roots from easily invading the flowerbed.
  
  Cut down any vegetation within the new bed. Dig along the edge of the bed with a half-moon edger or a shovel. Rake the dirt toward the bed's center. Add soil and compost, if necessary, until the bed is at the desired height. Beds 6 inches tall or less do not require side support, according to Purdue University. Smooth the top of the bed and water it to settle the soil. Most beds settle to half their height.
- 6
  
  Smaller plants are less expensive, but larger plants make an immediate impact.
  
  Set potted nursery plants on the raised bed, following your sketch. Adjust the plants as desired, then plant them. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch to prevent erosion and retain soil moisture.

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