How to Build A Raised Flower Bed

You can start your new raised bed two ways: Either break up and loosen the soil underneath the new bed or cover it with a weed barrier. There are numerous opinions on both ways-here's mine: If the bed is going to be at least 12 inches deep, there is no need to use a weed barrier because most weeds can't break through that much soil to reach the surface. If it is going to be less than 12 inches deep, I break up the soil underneath so that the roots of my plants can grow into the original soil easier. I think you defeat the purpose of having looser soil if your plant's roots grown down 6 or 8 inches then hit a plastic roadblock.

Next, it is time to start placing the actual border. There are so many border materials and methods of placing them that I don't have room to go into details here about each one, but most start with leveling area where the border will be.

If you want to use a flexible edging-type border, you can use a shovel or hoe to create a trench, place the border in it, then firm the dirt on each side. These are usually only a few inches high and, though they are simple to install, they don't really qualify as a "raised bed".

Railroad ties and landscape timbers are both quick choices: level the width of the wood, the length of the bed and start placing the ties/timbers. Be aware that both are notorious for warping and will need to be staked down every 3 feet or so.

Natural stone, either mortared or dry stacked, is the most forgiving of un-level ground, due to the even nature of the stone itself.

Landscape stones have become very popular in the last few years. They are widely available at most nurseries or garden centers. The following video will show you how to use them.

You can use a variety of things for your flower bed's soil. Bagged potting mix is a popular option. If you have a large nursery or garden center nearby, and access to a truck or trailer, you can save some money by buying in bulk. Topsoil is the most popular choice, but you can also mix topsoil and aged compost for an extremely fertile start for your plants.

Fill your raised bed about 3/4 full then water it thoroughly to settle the soil and fill in any voids. Add more soil to bring it back up to 3/4 full and water again. If possible, wait until the next day to actually install your plants so you aren't digging in mud. You want the soil around your new plants to be firm, but not packed. If the roots are able to grow freely, your plants will thrive, instead of just surviving.

To plant, dig holes slightly larger than the pot the plant is presently growing in. Carefully pull the plant out of the pot. If it is root-bound, it may be necessary to cut the plastic pot to get it out without destroying the root system. Set the plant in the hole and pack the dirt back down around it. For large holes, fill part way then tamp down the dirt. Continue filling and packing down until you reach the original soil level. Plants can be tilted at this stage so that they are growing straight. You'll want to back off and look at it from all sides now, because it can be very difficult to change it's growth direction later on. Every plant should come with a planting and care tag that will give you specifics about your new plant, including how far apart to space them. This is important so that they don't crowd each other as they mature.

After all the flowers are planted, cover the exposed soil with a layer of mulch 2-3 inches deep. As with everything else in gardening, there are now many choices for mulch. You can use pine bark, pine needles, cypress or cedar. You can also get colored mulch that will add still more interest to your landscape.

The newest thing in mulching is rubber mulch that is made from recycled material. The benefit of the rubber mulch is that it doesn't break down and decompose so you don't have to replenish it every year. The down side is that it doesn't break down and decompose so it doesn't add any nutrients to your soil.

Also, the rubber types can't hold water the way the natural materials do. Some people think that mulch is only a decoration to give your beds a finished look, but natural mulches absorb water when it is available and keep the soil in the flower bed from drying out as quickly. The natural varieties also break down into organic material that is beneficial to your soil.

After the mulch is in place, you'll need to water again. Don't use a high pressure hose, as the water will displace the mulch and possibly your new plants. Put your hose nozzle on shower or use a sprinkler head that gives a gentle flow.

You'll need to water the plants daily for the first couple of weeks, then one to two times a week, depending on how much rain you get. When you water, be sure to completely soak the soil. This will make sure the roots grow deep into the earth and will allow the plants to have a sturdy base.

Soaker hoses offer a low-water way to get moisture to you plants without spraying water up everywhere. The soaker hoses can be underneath the mulch, or on top of it, whichever look you prefer.

Another simple method of getting the water exactly where it needs to be is to use drip irrigation. The parts are available at most garden centers and discount stores these days. You run a main line the length of your bed, then you can either install the drip or spray heads directly in the main line, or you can come off of it with feeder lines that go either to individual plants or groupings. You can buy risers that will put the spray head up in the air to spray a longer distance.

Both of the above methods can be automated with a timer that you install between the faucet and the hose. You can set it to water your flower bed at a given time, once a day, every other day or even once a week. There are several benefits to automating the watering process: the plants will thrive better with regular watering, you don't even have to be at home to water your flower bed, and possibly the best reason: you can set it to water very early in the morning, say 3 or 4 am, when there is little to no competition for the water pressure.

Tending to your raised flower bed can be a peaceful, stress relieving part of your life. Fertilize periodically following the recommendations on your chosen fertilizer. If weeds should sprout, pluck them out on a regular basis and be sure to get the entire root so they don't reproduce and take over your new flower bed. Depending on your plants, you may need to deadhead or prune occasionally.

Consider putting a bench, a chair and small table or even a swing near your new flower bed so you can sit and enjoy it. Experts say that landscaping increases the value of your home, but you can't put a dollar amount on the way you feel when you come home to a beautifully blooming raised flower bed that you created yourself.