Raised Bed Gardening Prepared by: L. Robert Barber, & Ilene Iriarte For: Guam Cooperative Extension Service & Guam Department of Agriculture Funding provided by: United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Administration for Native Americans,, & Sanctuary Incorporated

What are Raised Beds Planting in soil beds mounded above the existing ground level Soil in raised beds is higher and deeper than the surrounding soils –Provides deeper root zone –May be more intensively managed Easier to modify the soil structure in the more limited area of the raised bed.

Advantages of Raised Beds Incorporate organic matter –Improve soil structure, drainage, & nutrients Better Drainage –Gardeners with heavy, poorly drained soils –Better root growth Higher Yields –Because of improved soil fertility, depth and structure more plants can be grown in a smaller area –Better root growth leads to higher yields

Advantages of Raised Beds Longer Growing Season: –Soils dry out faster in wet season through improved drainage. Allows growing crops during rain season that might now other wise be possible Can create and area of rich soil where none currently exists Maintenance: –Easier to weed, & water –Denser plant spacing reduces weed growth

Location of Your Raised Bed Where do you want to put your bed? Mark the dimensions of the bed If constructing more than one bed, create paths between the beds. Dig/turn the soil as deeply as possible in the bed location.

Temporary Raised Beds Without frames Less labor intensive Dig and turn the soil in a 3-4’ wide area –The deeper the better –Mix soil amendments to the full depth By taking soils from area on each side of bed and mounding up in center, the raised bed soil is higher and deeper than surrounding ground. Beds flatten over the coarse of the year –It erodes because there is no wall

Permanent Raised Bed Walls can be built using: –Bricks –Stone –Cement blocks Raises soil pH overtime –Rot resistant wood Do not use wood containing creosote or compounds containing pentachlorophenol Organic farmers cannot use treated wood

Permanent Raised Bed Frames Should be –No wider than 4 feet Should be able to reach the center from the sides Arms are only so long, narrower if for children –Should be at least 6” high Roots need at least 6-12” of soil Be sure to dig and amend the soil below the frame before adding new soil. –Beds 2-3 ‘ tall can be worked on while sitting Raised bed walls may need additional support

Soil Mix Heavy Clay Soil: –1/3 of the volume should be mixed with existing soil –1/3 compost or peat & 1/3 coarse sand should be added to loosen clay High Sand Soil: –Mix in organic matter

Conclusion Raised bed possibilities are endless Design of raised beds depends on the gardeners goals If you invest time needed for construction you can: –Have better drainage –Moisture retention –Loosen the soil for better root growth