Many times as people age or start to live with a disability, they have to give up many things they love. Take gardening as an example. For these people, trying to bend and stoop becomes painful and difficult, if not impossible. This means the time they once enjoyed working in the garden is no longer an option. However, a viable solution is available in a raised garden.
A raised garden is literally a garden built up off the ground so that gardening activities can still be enjoyed without the physical labor needed. The key to creating a successful raised garden is the planning. If the garden is well thought out, someone could easily plant, maintain, and harvest vegetables, herbs, and flowers. This provides the opportunity to garden again without having to deal with the physical limitations that regular garden provide.
Although a raised garden can be any size you like, you want to choose the size that you can manage best. For starters, the site should be well drained and one where the vegetation will receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day. Additionally, the width of your raised garden should make it easy to reach or walk around to the other side without too much effort.
The only real downfall to having a raised garden is that because they are raised and do not have a natural water runoff, they do need to be monitored a little closer regarding moisture content. Therefore, it is important that a raised garden be watered generously so that the soil does not dry out. If the soil were to become compacted, then you want to wait to prepare the bed until the soil has dried out enough so it can be pulverized into small chunks. Next, use a three-inch layer of organic material such as compost or manure, spreading it over the soil. In addition, you should add a nitrogen source to help the material break down efficiently.
With a handheld rake and shovel, smooth the soil to about six inches. Add excavated soil to the top, building it to about 12 inches. The raised bed should then be finished off with bark or sawdust. With this, you are ready to start using plants of various sizes to create a unique appearance or if you like, you can plant your favorite vegetables or herbs. Some people use a raised garden strictly for flowers. Regardless, plant what you like.