A small raised garden bed can be used anywhere. On a lanai, on the grass, even on concrete. But how small can a raised bed be? It depends upon the amount of space you have to devote to plants. A raised flower trough can still hold plenty of blooms with some herbs added in to the fun. If your goal is to raise food for yourself, even a tiny raised bed of 2 x 4 feet (0.6 x 1.2 m.) will provide plenty of fresh produce.
Small Raised Bed Design
The first thing to consider is the amount of space you have for the project. Once you have dimensions, you can build the bed yourself. It can be on a stand, or simply raise up the soil with borders. These borders can be anything; large rocks, bricks, a wood framework, cement blocks, and other items. Consider the area carefully with an eye to the plants you wish to grow. For food crops you will need at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight for success. You will also need a water source. Carting out watering cans is one option, but ideally a drip system or something similar will be easier and more beneficial. Next, turn your attention to soil. For the best results, amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, and make sure the soil will drain well by making it loose and adding drainage holes in standing beds.
How Small Can a Raised Bed Be?
Gardeners who only have a small patio or balcony will want to take into consideration useable space. Balcony owners will also need to consider weight load, as a raised bed filled with soil is quite heavy. If you are size-challenged, there is good news. You can utilize dwarf species, grow vertically, and practice succession and inter-planting. Succession planting will ensure a constant supply of crops, while inter-planting increases diversity. When building a small raised bed, you can utilize any available space. The shape doesn’t have to be a square or rectangle, either. You can squeeze in a triangle or any other configuration that makes the most use of space.
Small Raised Garden Tips
Choose plants that will fit the season. Lettuces, many cole crops, spring peas and beans, are all great for fall or spring. During the hotter part of the year, choose small tomato plants, peppers, herbs like basil and cilantro, even cucumbers. Items that trail can be grown up small trellises or other vertical structures. For items that mature quickly, start more seed before the crop matures. This will ensure a consistent supply of produce. Practice the cut-and-come-again method. This works great on lettuces and other greens. Cut off leaves and allow the plant to produce more. With a few adjustments and good planning. your small space raised bed can produce plenty of fresh food.
