Now that you have built a raised garden bed, but you might be wondering:
How to fill a raised garden bed cheap?
Here’s the deal:
A raised garden bed usually requires a combination of soil and compost. It means that you can mix 50% of the ground with 50% of the compost thoroughly. However, you can also use lasagna method, which can consist of different layers.
Each way can be handy, but lasagna gardening is way cheaper than mixing the soil and composting.
But:
Why you should start Gardening
In the past few years, many professionals have taken to gardening as a way of de-stressing their lives. The work involved in gardening is not only a great physical exercise, but it can also help in improving mental health. Seeing your garden blossom with plants, trees and vegetables can be a highly satisfying feeling to experience.
This is one major reason why terrace gardens, balcony spaces, and even staircases are being converted into lively areas, with lots of potted plants. If you do not have the space in your household, you can always go for small potted plants. Spread them out in your living area, kitchen and even your washroom.
What is lasagna gardening method?
It is all about layers. These gardens can be large or small depending on your needs. All you need to do is simply heap layers upon layers until it’s the right height. Compost, manure, leaves or any ingredient that can break down and feed your plants!
What can you benefit from lasagna gardening?
This is why lasagna gardening is popular:
- It’s cheap!
- You can place them anywhere there is enough sun.
- No more digging, tilling or cultivating
- You can use any material that can feed your plants
- There is no height limit when using this method, making this way more accessible for those who find it hard to get around.
- You can use leaves and grass clippings to fill the raised beds if you have a yard.
- You can decide any size for your raised garden beds
- There is less water to use when this gardening completes.
Six Steps To Fill A Raised Garden Bed Cheap With Lasagna Gardening
Step 1: Collect organic compostable materials.
Lasagna gardening needs two layers: compost on the bottom and soil on the top. Many gardeners highly recommend using this mixture recipe: 2 parts of shredded leaves and 1 part of grass clippings. You can use available leaves and grass clippings gathered in your yard.
If you don’t have these two layers, ask anyone at the local store for alternatives.
Step 2: Place your compost on the bottom of the bed.
Spread your biodegradable materials evenly across your bed. Half-fill the bed with this material. If you use other different materials, mix them with your hands.
Step 3: Put a layer of cardboard or newspaper on the compost.
This sets apart the compost and the soil. If you use newspaper, use 2-3 layers. If you use cardboard, one layer will be enough. Bear in mind that the cardboard or paper will spread evenly across the edges of your compost.
Step 4: Choose soil to layer on top of your compost.
Ideally, you can use soil that is in your yard. If you need an alternative, go to a local gardening shop and buy topsoil or a soil replacement.
Step 5: Remove any stones from the soil.
Use your hand to search for stones, which can interfere with the growth of the plant through the soil. If you find any rock, move them to another place in your yard, or you can put them in a park or beach afterward.
Step 6: Finish filling the raised bed to the top or near the top.
Place the soil directly on top of cardboard or newspaper. If you are planting something straight, like tomatoes, feel free to make the soil flat with the headboard. If you plant flowers, leave a space between the top and the top of the bed.
This ensures that the flowering of flowers appears more prominent than the stem.
Your Plants Need A Balanced Diet
Like the human body, plants need a variety of nutrients to thrive.
Using all-purpose organic fertilizer is the easiest method to start gardening but to get a better soil test results; you may need to refine your bed. There are six vital nutrients for all types of plants including:
Most important nutrients:
- Nitrogen: is abundant by plants covering legumes or compost.
- Potassium: is the main nutrient that play a role in the regulation of water in plant.
- Phosphorus: is the best nutrient for capturing and transforming the sun’s energy into effective plant nutrients.
Less important nutrients:
- Calcium: usually supplied by plaster and lime. Also, calcium can help plants build and maintain strong cell walls.
- Magnesium: is well-known in the photosynthesis process, making leaves appear green.
- Sulfur: usually only required in alkaline soil. Sulfur helps create important enzymes and aids in the formation of plant proteins.
Wrapping up
Gardening can be a very rewarding experience if done in the right fashion. No matter what kind of a space you have, or the investments you are willing to make, if you have the right intention, you will be able to create your oasis of calm easily. To know more about how to create fantastic gardens from scratch, click here.
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