Constructing and Installation of an Elevated Garden Box
In the heart of Pennsylvania, a passionate gardener embarked on a new venture, transforming a traditional garden plot into a thriving lasagna garden using an ECOgardener Premium Raised Bed.
The author, with the help of their elderly farmer father, assembled the sturdy and simple 2 x 4-foot raised bed. To accommodate the bed, they moved it closer to the back door for easier access to fresh ingredients. Despite the plot not being as flat as initially thought, the author managed to level it by covering the grass with newspaper and placing the bed on top.
The author's choice of location was strategic, positioning the raised bed in a sunny spot in front of some peonies. The well-drained soil, combined with good air circulation, set the stage for a successful lasagna garden.
To prepare the base layer, the author packed the bottom of the bed with compostable materials like twigs and straw. This was followed by a series of layering, a hallmark of lasagna gardening. The first layer consisted of dry leaves, straw, or newspaper, while the second layer included grass clippings, kitchen scraps, green plant trimmings, or fresh manure.
The author repeated this layering process about three to four times, building up to fill the 12-18 inch depth of the raised bed. The final layer was a mix of compost or well-aged manure with soil, creating a planting surface.
After watering the lasagna bed thoroughly, the author allowed it to rest and decompose for two to four weeks before planting. They chose a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers for their little salad garden, including heirloom tomato plants, peppers, lettuce, and parsley.
The author found that the ECOgardener Premium Raised Bed provided a sturdy, contained space for layering materials, and using the provided landscape fabric inside prevented weed issues while keeping the layers intact and aerated.
Monitoring moisture and adding water as necessary, the author observed healthy plant growth in their lasagna garden. They also applied organic fertilizers every three to four weeks, such as blood meal to boost nitrogen, which aids in leafy growth.
Despite the initial challenges with the soil and the plot's flatness, the author's innovative use of the ECOgardener Premium Raised Bed and the principles of lasagna gardening have resulted in a nutrient-rich, well-drained soil that supports healthy plant growth. This setup will continue to improve soil fertility over time, leveraging the decomposition of organic matter in lasagna gardening.
The author, who has written articles about planting raised beds, is thrilled with the success of their lasagna garden and looks forward to enjoying the bounty of their harvest.
The author decided to expand their home-and-garden lifestyle by creating a thriving lasagna garden within their new home-improvement project, using the ECOgardener Premium Raised Bed. The choice of location for the raised bed was strategic, as it was positioned in a sunny spot in front of some peonies, offering good air circulation and well-drained soil, ideal for lasagna gardening.