Soil preparation is key to successful apartment gardening. It is best to start out by preparing the soil with a light tillage tiller. If the sun is strong, you may wish to use a metal-based tiller which will be stronger. Always check with your local nursery before you purchase a tiller as there are many different models and sizes. Be sure to consult with your gardening catalog or book on how to care for and use a tiller for small space raised garden bed gardening.
The planting bed is the next most important part of a small space raised garden bed. Choose a firm, level spot with a short length of stem above the dirt. Keep the height of the bed low – around three inches to four inches off the ground. Be sure to place sturdy support structures below the soil line for stability. A low, clear, artificial potting bench will provide extra support, especially for younger children.
If you choose to go the container route for growing your plants, you’ll need to use pots that are appropriate for the size of your bed. Keep in mind that you’ll want to keep soil mixtures separate. Keep in mind, however, that if you have a number of plants, it will be less difficult to keep track of your plants. For container plants, make sure you plant your tallest plants at the bottom of your bed and your smaller plants at the top. Containers offer excellent opportunities for hanging baskets and vases, making them an ideal location for container gardening.
The final step in planning your small garden bed is to choose your plants. You can generally grow any plants that you would typically grow in a traditional outdoor garden. Herbs are great because they don’t require all of the special care required with annuals and perennials. Annuals can be difficult to work into a raised garden bed with their fast growth and intense watering requirements. And, perennials such as daffodils, crocuses, and hydrangeas bloom year round, adding interest to a small space.
Perennials provide another option for growing plants year-round in a small space, but you should plan your planting schedule ahead of time to ensure you’ll be able to harvest all of your harvest. Harvesting can be done right after the last frost, or in early spring when the weather is warm. Wait about two weeks before harvesting plants that you plan to keep indoors for the winter.
Some common plants that can easily be included in a raised garden bed include sunflowers, spinach, tomatoes, herbs, and alfalfa. These plants all require relatively little care, and they will add color and variety to your area. Make sure that you keep an eye on your plants during the hot summer months. If you have sunflowers, be careful not to plant too close together, or they could overheat. Also, do not plant your tomatoes too close together, or you could end up killing them by freezing or burning them.
A raised garden bed offers an ideal place for annual flowers, as well as perennials and biennials. It’s also great for covering bare soil that would otherwise be used for non-native grass or turf. You may want to choose plants that require less attention, such as those that grow quickly and don’t need much attention, such as tomatoes. This is because many of these plants will flower and bloom quickly. Choose plants that can withstand shade, so that you won’t have to wait for the sun to heat the soil.