Enclosed Green Space Secured by Elevated Window
Building a Raised Window-Protected Garden: A DIY Guide
A raised window-protected garden is an innovative solution for gardeners seeking to protect their plants from pests, harsh weather, and predators. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to build one, using the example of a unique garden made from recycled materials.
Materials Needed
- Raised bed frame materials (wood like cedar or metal sheets)
- Paint or wood sealant (optional for weatherproofing)
- Weed barrier or landscape fabric
- Soil (quality garden soil or soil mix)
- Screws, nails, and a drill for assembly
- Labels for plants
- Protective window/covering materials:
- Clear plexiglass, acrylic sheets, or glass window panes
- Hinges and screws for mounting
- Frame materials for window (wood or metal)
- Weather stripping or caulk (optional for sealing)
- Tools: electric drill, screwdriver, saw, hammer, measuring tape, level
Steps to Build the Raised Window-Protected Garden
- Assemble the Raised Bed Frame
- Choose durable material like cedar wood or metal panels.
- Cut to size and assemble into a box shape.
- Optionally paint or seal wood to protect it from weather.
- Install a Weed Barrier
- Staple or lay weed barrier fabric inside the raised bed to prevent soil loss and weed growth.
- Place the Raised Bed
- Position the bed in a sunny spot with good drainage.
- Clear grass/weeds and level the spot if needed.
- Fill with Soil
- Use high-quality, aerated soil suitable for the plants you want to grow.
- Break up clumps before filling for good root growth.
- Add Plant Layout and Plant
- Plan plant spacing to allow for mature growth.
- Plant seedlings or seeds according to their depth and spacing requirements.
- Build and Attach the Protective Window Frame
- Construct a frame sized to cover the raised bed.
- Attach clear plexiglass, acrylic sheets, or glass panels to the frame.
- Fit hinges to the frame to make it openable for watering and harvesting.
- Seal edges with weather stripping or caulk to reduce drafts if needed.
- Install the Window Frame Over the Raised Bed
- Secure the protective window frame to the raised bed or the surrounding structure.
- Ensure it can be easily lifted or opened for maintenance.
- Label Plants and Maintain
- Add labels for easy identification.
- Water, weed, and harvest as usual.
This method creates an ergonomic, well-organized raised garden protected by a clear window to improve growing conditions and protect your plants year-round. The protective window acts like a miniature greenhouse, letting light in while keeping pests and harsh weather out.
The example garden was made from recycled storm windows, chain link fence, landscape fabric, Eco wood treatment, and spruce boards. The joints between the boards were made using a double notch, a type of joint often used in log house construction. An entrance door made from a storm window was also made to enclose the microclimate in the raised bed.
In a cold climate, a raised bed warms up sooner and the soil is usually a bit warmer. The results of growing tomatoes in the raised window-protected garden were impressive. An extra protection for the raised window-protected garden can be added with a frost blanket during colder climates.
For tomatoes, additional compost is added each year at planting time. A landscape fabric was used as the next layer and lined the raised bed, stapled to the boards. If heat is not needed, the glass can be substituted with netting.
Raised garden beds are useful if there is no good soil in the garden, and in the case of this garden, it is located in the driveway. A chain link fence wire and landscape fabric were used to line the bed, creating an effect similar to a grow bag. Adding protection through windows creates a real microclimate, making it ideal for heat-loving plants.
If you're interested in learning more about related topics, consider reading about "Soil For Seedlings, Container Gardening, and Raised Beds", "No-Till Gardening Methods to Start a New Garden", "Simple Winter Compost Solution", "Preparing the Garden for Winter in a Cold Climate", "Challenges with the Back to Eden Gardening Method", "Raised Garden Beds vs Container Gardens", "Pros and Cons of Using Landscape Fabric in Your Garden", and "Expanding the Country Garden Beds". The builders of this raised window-protected garden invite others to share their experiences and pictures.
- To foster optimal growing conditions in the raised window-protected garden, consider implementing a no-till gardening method, as it helps retain soil moisture and reduces weed growth.
- Incorporating compost into the soil mix before planting can enhance the quality of the soil and provide essential nutrients for plant growth.
- To customize the garden based on your specific lifestyle and home-and-garden needs, you may want to explore different planting options, like scaling down for a smaller greenhouse setup in colder climates.
- If you're a beginner gardener, learning about topics such as "Soil For Seedlings, Container Gardening, and Raised Beds" or "No-Till Gardening Methods to Start a New Garden" can help you establish a strong foundation.
- To further expand your knowledge and continue your gardening journey, dive deeper into topics like "Preparing the Garden for Winter in a Cold Climate", "Challenges with the Back to Eden Gardening Method", or "Raised Garden Beds vs Container Gardens", which can help you successfully maintain your raised window-protected garden throughout various seasons and conditions.
