Christopher J. Starbuck Department of Horticulture Raised-bed
gardening is a popular technique for growing plants in Missouri.
Beds are both useful and attractive in the landscape.
Vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees and shrubs may be grown in
raised beds. Temporary raised beds can be created by digging
soil in a 3- to 4-foot wide bed. Digging loosens the soil and
keeps it higher than surrounding ground if there is no foot or
equipment traffic. Advantages of raised-bed gardening - Better
drainage Growing plants in raised beds is a logical choice for
gardeners with heavy, poorly drained soils. Raised beds permit
plant roots to develop in soil held above water-logged or
compacted zones. This provides a more optimum soil environment
for root growth. As beds are built up, compost or other forms of
organic matter may be incorporated, further improving soil
structure, drainage and nutrient-holding capacity. - Higher
yields Better root growth from improved soils leads to higher
yields for food crops and lusher growth