Thinking of getting a raised planter for your garden? Here are three things garden experts want you to know before you do.
If you want to build your own raised planter, then you need to know they can be a labour of love. Requiring a little more TLC compared to planting directly in your garden’s soil, a raised bed can improve drainage and give you more control over your soil conditions.
So, while there are many benefits to filling a raised planter with beautiful blooms or starting a raised vegetable patch, there are some key points to consider before getting started. Here are three nuggets of advice from gardening experts.
1. You can extend growing season
Music to any gardener’s ears, am I right? Perhaps the biggest benefit to installing a raised planter in your garden is that the soil in your planter will stay warmer for longer, meaning you yield greater harvests every growing season.
‘The soil in a raised planter is exposed to the air on every side, usually, meaning that it will warm up faster in spring and retain the heat for longer in autumn,’ explains Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.
‘As the planters are elevated and more exposed to wind and sun, the soil will dry out much quicker, so plants will need to be watered more frequently.’
So, while your soil will still be warmer for longer, it also dries faster. Experts recommend watering a raised planter daily during summer. You can check whether it needs watering by using your finger to check if the soil feels dry 5 cm down. If you have a raised planter, I’d recommend looking into irrigation systems such as these self-watering spikes (£23.99, Amazon), which means your plants have steady access to water.
2. You can control soil conditions
Another big benefit of using a raised planter is that you have complete control over the soil conditions. This can be a big win for people whose gardens have poor-draining or poor-quality soil.
‘Raised planters can help to create planted interest in areas which might otherwise struggle, such as areas with poor drainage or those which are hardstanding. A pot or planter enables homeowners to control the conditions within the soil, which in turn means they can influence what grows,’ explains Matt Evans, founder and managing director of the award-winning The Garden Room – Living and Landscape Studio.
As you can’t walk over soil in a raised planter, it also remains looser and more aerated, which makes it easier for water, oxygen and nutrients to access your plants. You can also expect better drainage from a raised planter, as elevating the area where you grow plants can help prevent waterclogging.
3. They’re hard to move
You need to bear in mind that once you have filled your raised planter (which can be an expensive job in itself), it can be very difficult to move around afterwards. So you need to be certain about your location choice.
‘Once the planters are built and filled, they are very difficult to move due to their heaviness, meaning that you are unable to alter the layout of your garden too much,’ says Richard.
‘When installing a raised planter in your garden, you will need to consider how much sunlight exposure it will receive. Ideally, a garden should receive around six hours of sunlight a day, or potentially more, depending on what you are going to be growing. You should also consider the planter’s proximity to a water source, as you may want to install an irrigation system at a later date to help with watering.’
WUJUN
Wujun Plant Watering Stakes 10 Pack
These self-watering spikes are great for plants in pots and containers as they are made from porous clay, allowing wanter to seep into the soil gradually, preventing both over and underwatering. All you need to do is attach a water pottle to the base of the spike and push the head into the soil.
Vitax Ltd
Vitax Blood Fish & Bone, Organic-Based, General Purpose Fertiliser
This fertaliser will slow-release a stream of essential nutrients for improving soil quality, making it a good choice for raised planters. Just avoid using it on acid-loving plants.
Miracle-Gro
Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Water Storing Gel for Pots & Baskets, 200g
Perfect for pots and containers, this water storing gel does exactly what it says on the tin. It contains water-storing crystals that absorb and release water when plants need it, reducing the need for excessive watering.
Raised beds are a brilliant way to add structure to your garden, as well as a great option for gardeners with poor soil. You just need ensure it is the right choice for you.
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