Setting Up Above Ground Gardening Boxes
For gardeners with limited yard space or challenges bending over or working on their hands and knees, above ground gardening boxes offer raised planting beds that make gardening more manageable. These versatile planters come in many shapes, sizes, and materials to fit different needs and budgets.
Benefits of Above Ground Gardening Boxes
Raised garden beds lift planting beds off the ground, providing many advantages over traditional in-ground gardening:
- Better drainage and drier soil warms faster in spring for an earlier start to the growing season.
- Box materials block aggressive weeds and tree roots from invading the planting area.
- Less bending and kneeling reduces back and knee strain for gardeners with physical limitations.
- Higher beds keep slugs and other soil-dwelling pests away from plants.
- Customized soil blend improves drainage and nutrients for healthier plants.
With the right set up and care, above ground planters enable gardeners of all ages and abilities to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more with less effort.
Types of Above Ground Gardening Boxes
Many materials work well for constructing durable and budget-friendly above ground gardening boxes:
Wooden Boxes
Cedar and redwood resist rot, making them suitable wood choices. Use thick boards, at least 1-2 inches, secured with galvanized screws. Add casters to make large boxes movable. Line wood with landscape fabric to extend the life. These stylish beds fit well in backyard garden designs.
Metal Boxes
Galvanized steel, powder coated steel, stainless steel, and aluminum resist corrosion and add contemporary flair. Steel raised beds tend to be lightweight for portability but sturdy. The material also holds heat well for cold climates and containers.
Plastic Boxes
Recycled plastic lumber makes durable, weatherproof garden beds with built-in water reservoirs. The thick boards resist cracking and last for years, although plastic breaks down faster than wood or metal under intense UV exposure. These affordable beds work well as starter planter boxes.
Masonry Boxes
For permanent structures, brick, cinder block, or stone beds matched to hardscape materials create an elegant focal point. Mortar joints may eventually need repointing. Adding weep holes improves drainage. Due to weight and immobility, locate permanent masonry carefully.
Size Considerations
Recommended dimensions for above ground gardening boxes range from 2-4 feet wide and 8-12 inches deep. This allows gardeners to comfortably reach across the bed for weeding and harvesting. Smaller containers work well for herb gardens or patios while larger beds give more space for vegetables and ornamentals.
Ideal Soil for Above Ground Gardening Boxes
Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil is key to success with above ground gardening. A premium organic potting mix or high-quality garden soil blended with compost makes an excellent fill. Soil for containers should feel light and fluffy, not dense or soggy wet.
Drainage
Holes drilled into the bottom of beds prevent waterlogging. For beds sited directly on the ground, line boxes with landscape fabric to maintain drainage without soil leaching out. Locate beds on a slight slope or mound for improved drainage.
Nutrients
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ensure strong roots and foliage. Well-aged compost, manure, bone meal, kelp meal, and organic slow release fertilizer encourage beneficial microbiology. Test soil annually and amend as needed to maintain optimal pH and nutrients.
Where to Place Above Ground Gardening Boxes
Choosing the right location impacts success with above ground gardening. Plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth. Easy access to water minimizes hauling heavy loads. Position beds clear of roots and aggressive weeds.
Sunlight
A sunny site on the south or west side of a building captures plenty warmth and light. Leafy greens and herbs tolerate partial shade while tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash require full solar exposure.
Water Access
Nearby spigots simplify watering raised beds. Soaker hoses, drip irrigation tubing, or wand attachments further reduce strain. Where water access is limited, self-watering container gardens help reduce weekly maintenance.
What to Grow in Above Ground Gardening Boxes
From succulents to seed starters, above ground planters accommodate a wide variety plants. Focus on relatively small, fast growing species suited to confined quarters.
Vegetables
Leaf lettuce, kale, spinach, radishes, carrots, onions, beets, tomatoes, peppers, bush beans, cucumbers, summer squash, and strawberries thrive in raised garden beds. Fertile soil and good drainage produce bumper crops in less space.
Herbs
Culinary favorites like basil, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, cilantro, dill, and parsley flourish in well-drained soil. Space plants far enough apart to allow air circulation and prevent fungus issues. Cut often to encourage new growth.
Flowers
Marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, nasturtiums, and flowering kale add beauty around and over the edges of beds. Trailing petunias, lobelia, verbena, trailing nasturtiums, and sweet potato vine spill attractively from container rims.
Building Your Own Above Ground Gardening Box
Ambitious DIYers can create custom raised beds matching their space. Follow basic guidelines for sizing, materials, and construction.
Materials
Use rot resistant lumber like cedar or redwood at least 1-2" thick, or galvanized steel brackets and corrosion resistant metal sheeting. Assembly hardware should be rustproof galvanized or stainless steel. Include casters for large movable planters.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Construct a basic raised bed box as follows:
- Cut four planks to the desired length and two more to width.
- Pre-drill holes to prevent wood from splitting.
- Use corner brackets or braces to assemble into a rectangular frame.
- Line inside of bed frame with landscape fabric before filling with soil.
- Add weed barrier fabric then drainage material like gravel in bottom before soil.
Custom designs might include attached trellises, cold frame lids, irrigation system access, or more. Scale plans to available space and gardening abilities.
Caring for Your Above Ground Gardening Box
Regular maintenance keeps an above ground garden thriving all season:
Watering
Test soil moisture 2-3" down--water plants when top few inches become dry. Early morning watering reduces evaporation. Soaker hoses provide consistent moisture without washing out soil.
Weeding
Pluck weeds early and often to prevent spread and competition with desired plants. Mulch bare areas between plants to block light and deny weeds a foothold.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced organic vegetable food or compost monthly. Watch plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies and amend soil as needed.
Inspect for signs of common garden pests like aphids, slugs, snails. Remove by hand immediately and use organic sprays for heavy infestations. Row covers and companion plants also deter pests.
Caring for an above ground garden takes just minutes a day when set up properly. The raised height makes maintaining the beds simple for gardeners of all abilities, extending seasons and improving harvests in limited space.