Understanding Fertilizer Calculations Simplified
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Published on April 4, 2016
In the realm of sustainable gardening, raised garden beds have emerged as a popular choice among gardeners. Offering numerous benefits, these elevated gardening spaces provide improved control over soil quality, better drainage, extended growing seasons, easier pest and weed management, and easier physical access for gardening tasks.
The Advantages of Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds allow gardeners to customize soil composition, improve aeration and root oxygenation, and warm up faster in spring, which can increase yields and simplify care. Some of the best practices for using raised garden beds include:
- Control soil quality by mixing custom soil and amendments to suit specific plants, especially when native soil is poor or heavy.
- Ensure good drainage and aeration by building the bed high enough and choosing suitable soil mixes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Use untreated, rot-resistant wood like cedar for constructing frames to avoid chemical contamination, ensure durability, and ease of assembly.
- Manage pests and weeds by elevating beds off ground level and optionally installing barriers like hardware cloth underneath to block burrowing pests, minimizing weed seed intrusion.
- Consider accessibility needs: raised beds reduce bending and kneeling strain compared to traditional in-ground gardens, though they may still require some bending unless designed higher (e.g., elevated beds).
- Mulch the surface to retain moisture and suppress weeds, allowing better control of soil water and temperature.
- Select suitable crops that benefit from deep, loose soil such as root vegetables, tomatoes, and larger plants to maximize raised bed advantages.
Sustainable Gardening Products
The article also discusses a variety of gardening products to enhance the gardening experience. Here are some highlights:
- Composters: The Jora JK270 Composter and the Worm Factory 360 Composter are two composters mentioned. The Jora JK270 Composter has a capacity of 9.5 cubic feet. The specific application methods for the Corn Gluten Organic Fertilizer are not detailed in the article, but it is available in a 40 lbs size.
- Watering Solutions: The Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose is designed to prevent contamination of water by garden chemicals. A Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose with a slim 7/16" diameter is also mentioned.
- Raised Garden Beds: The VegTrug Raised Garden Planter is made of natural wood and is available in a round design, making it a portable option. The Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds have a different shape compared to the Farmstead Raised Garden Bed.
- Seeds and Fertilizers: The Wildflower Farms Eco-Lawn Grass Seed is designed for creating a lawn with eco-friendly properties, available in a 5 lb size. The Corn Gluten Organic Fertilizer is another option for fertilizing plants.
- Other Accessories: The Stainless Steel Compost Keeper is a container for storing compost, but its capacity is not specified in the article. The Natural Cedar Raised Garden Beds are another product discussed in the article.
Written by Jessica Dawe, this article provides valuable insights into the world of sustainable gardening, offering practical advice and product recommendations for gardeners of all levels. By adopting these practices and using these products, gardeners can create healthier plants and a more manageable garden environment while minimizing environmental impact.
[1] Gardening Know How
[2] The Spruce
[3] Worm Factory
[4] Better Homes and Gardens
[5] Garden Myths
In the context of sustainable living, incorporating raised garden beds not only improves the yields and simplicity of plant care but also promotes healthier diets through the cultivation of nutritious produce. Concurrently, the use of high-quality composters, like the Jora JK270 Composter and the Worm Factory 360 Composter, reflects a commitment to healthy-diets and health-and-wellness, by fostering optimal soil health and nutrient retention. Furthermore, practicing fitness-and-exercise, such as gardening, can be a great addition to regular exercise, enhancing overall well-being and promoting a healthy lifestyle.