What Vegetables to Plant in an Elevated Garden Bed
Elevated garden beds are becoming increasingly popular among garden enthusiasts and for good reason. These raised planters offer numerous benefits, including better drainage, improved soil quality, and easier access for gardening tasks. If you’re ready to start your own elevated garden bed but wondering which vegetables would thrive best in this setup, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top vegetable choices that will flourish in an elevated garden bed.
1. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are excellent options for elevated garden beds. Their shallow root systems make them ideal candidates for these types of planters. Plus, their compact growth habit allows you to maximize space by planting several varieties together.
2. Herbs
No culinary enthusiast should overlook the opportunity to grow fresh herbs right outside their doorstep. Basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary – you name it! All these flavorful plants can be successfully grown in an elevated garden bed with proper care and attention.
3. Tomatoes
If there’s one vegetable that almost every gardener dreams of harvesting at home successfully, it’s tomatoes! Elevating your tomato plants not only helps prevent certain diseases caused by soil-borne pathogens but also promotes air circulation around the leaves – reducing humidity-related issues like fungal infections.
A) Determinate Varieties:
Determinate tomato varieties are more suitable for smaller gardens or containers due to their compact growth habit (usually reaching a predetermined height). Some great determinate options include ‘Celebrity,’ ‘Patio Princess,’ or ‘Bush Early Girl.’
B) Indeterminate Varieties:
If you have a larger elevated garden bed and want to grow vining tomatoes, indeterminate varieties are your best bet. These plants will keep growing throughout the season and require trellising or support systems for optimal growth. Popular indeterminate choices include ‘Beefsteak,’ ‘Cherokee Purple,’ or ‘Sun Gold.’
4. Peppers
Peppers, whether sweet or hot, thrive in well-drained soil with ample sunlight – precisely what an elevated garden bed provides. Bell peppers like ‘California Wonder’ or spicy varieties such as jalapeños can be successfully cultivated in these raised planters.
5. Radishes
If you’re looking for quick-growing vegetables that can yield tasty results in no time, radishes are perfect candidates for your elevated garden bed. These root vegetables reach maturity within 20-30 days and add a delightful crunch to salads and sandwiches.
6. Carrots
Carrots may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when considering elevated garden beds due to their long taproots, but don’t let that discourage you! There are short-rooted carrot varieties available specifically bred for container gardening or raised beds where space is limited.
A) Nantes Varieties:
Nantes carrots like ‘Scarlet Nantes’ or ‘Thumbelina’ have blunt tips and cylindrical shapes that make them easier to grow in compact spaces without sacrificing taste.
B) Round Varieties:
Round carrot cultivars such as ‘Paris Market’ form small globes instead of long roots, making them another excellent option for elevated gardens.
In Conclusion
An elevated garden bed opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to growing vegetables. From leafy greens and herbs to tomatoes, peppers, radishes, and even carrots – there’s no shortage of options for your raised planter. Experiment with different varieties to create a diverse and bountiful garden that suits your tastes and preferences. Happy gardening!