What direction should Raised beds face?

Most experts believe that the best way to orient garden rows in the Northern hemisphere is north to south. This gives the most sun exposure and allows for ample air circulation. When crops are planted east to west, the rows tend to shade each other.

1. Step 1: Sketch the Garden Area. …
2. Step 2: Plot the Plants on the Map. …
3. Step 3: Start with High Value Crops. …
4. Step 4: Decide Which Vegetables to Grow Vertically. …
5. Step 5: Give Vining Crops Plenty of Room. …
6. Step 6: Fill in With Other Crops.

1. Plan Your Garden on Paper.
2. Mark Your Calendar.
3. Plant in Blocks, Use Raised Beds & Trellises.
4. Organize Your Supplies.
5. Stay On Top of Maintenance.

Most vegetable plants are full-sun plants, requiring between six and eight hours of sunlight per day. Morning sun is preferable, as afternoon sun is hotter, and you don’t want your plants to overheat during the hottest part of the day.

Unlike the East, the West facing garden will see sunshine in the afternoon and evening so must incorporate plants which will flourish in hot summer afternoon sunshine. Ideal plants for these conditions include camellias, daphne and verbena bonairiensis.

East-facing outdoor plants receive morning sun and shade in the afternoon, and the heat is less intense than in a west-facing garden. Some flowers only need the four to five hours of sun and partial shade typical of east-facing gardens.

A 4’x4′ raised bed can accommodate 4 or 5 tomato plants. For USDA zones with longer growing seasons, & for indeterminate tomato varieties, only 2 or 3 tomato plants might fit in a 4’x’4′ raised bed. Determinate tomato plants typically require less space than indeterminate varieties.

Filling The Bottom Of Your Garden Beds Avoid using materials like rocks on the bottom of your raised bed, as this can create an artificial water table that will prevent good drainage. With raised garden beds, drainage is essential.

The bottom of a raised garden bed should be a layer of grass clippings, leaves, wood chips, straw, and other organic material. The cardboard should be placed on top of that layer. The organic material will turn into compost, while the cardboard will prevent weeds.

Plants that should not share space with tomatoes include the Brassicas, such as broccoli and cabbage. Corn is another no-no, and tends to attract tomato fruit worm and/or corn ear worm. Kohlrabi thwarts the growth of tomatoes and planting tomatoes and potatoes increases the chance of potato blight disease.

• Mint and onions where asparagus is growing.
• Pole beans and mustard near beets.
• Anise and dill neighboring carrots.
• Cucumber, pumpkin, radish, sunflower, squash, or tomatoes close to potato hills.

First, dig a trench that’s about ten inches deep and two feet down the center of your raised bed. Put down a few layers of cardboard to kill any weeds or grass. Then, fill the core of your raised bed. The best option for this is to use straw bales, but you can also use leaves, grass clippings, or old twigs.

Don’t build up garden beds around the house without allowing for adequate drainage around the house. Don’t plant trees or large shrubs next to or near the house. When garden beds are placed next to the house, constant watering without effective drainage can lead to over moisturisation of the foundations.

East facing sun exposure This is a great area for growing carrots, beets, and leafy greens who enjoy some sun, but are sensitive to the hot afternoon rays. And with at least 6 hours of sun, you will be able to get some peppers and tomatoes growing in this area.

No matter where they live, tomatoes, roses and other disease prone plants always want morning sun; the sooner the sun strikes their leaves in the am, the faster the dew will evaporate and the healthier the plants will be.