Shelton RossFor decades gardening has become a hobby of a lot of people and they do not care whether it’s a big garden or just a small balcony. One aspect that has been a significant focus in the healthy gardening culture is the utilization of corrugated metal raised garden beds. In addition to their practical benefits, these new garden beds also serve to improve the overall look of outdoor garden areas. Here, as the title suggests, the ins and outs of corrugated metal raised garden beds have been discussed including some pitfalls.
What Are Corrugated Metal Raised Garden Beds?
Corrugated metal raised garden beds are simply boxes with elevated borders that consist of the soil solutions bed and a durable corrugated roof. The structure is usually rectangular, although it is important to note that a wide variety of other shapes and styles exist for all sorts of gardening requirements. The side walls of the bed are made from formed metal sheets which are usually wavy and corrugated to compliment the aesthetics of the bed as well as strengthen it structurally. These raised beds are rest on the ground and hence allow gardening without concerns of the soil quality, drainage, pests and other problems.
Advantages of Corrugated Metal Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds made of corrugated metal have many advantages than those traditional garden beds or wooden raised beds. Let us examine in detail some of the most important advantages:
Strength and Lifespan
Features that make corrugated metal raised gardens quite appealing include strength in all seasons. Unlike wood which may decay, bend, or invite insects with time, metal is a sturdy material capable of surviving extreme climatic friend. When galvanized or coated properly, the corrugated metal provides resistance against rust and corrosion, so you don’t have to worry about the degradation of your garden beds for many years.
Better Water Management
Drainage is very important when it comes to plant growth, and optimum drainage is one of the advantages of the corrugated metal raised garden beds. The height of the beds ensures that excess water does not accumulate and remain there, therefore, risking the chances of waterlogging and root rot. This is especially useful in regions where high rainfall or poor drainage due to hard or compacted soil is experienced.
Protection from Varmints
Farm garden beds can easily be attacked by pests like gophers, moles, and voles that damage plant roots and make it difficult for plants to grow effectively. The use of corrugated metal for raised beds creates an obstacle for these critters as they cannot burrow underneath the garden into the soil. Also, raising the farm bed high off the ground may reduce the impact of insects that live in the ground on the plants.
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Raise linearly the soil making it effortless for you to plant whichever type of a grain or grass you fancy. This is especially helpful to the gardeners with little heavens to fertilize. The bed can be filled with a mixture of good borderline soils which can be altered to fit the requirements of the certain plants being sculpted. With time, it also becomes easy to take care of and replace the soil within a retreated space.
Ergonomically Designed Gardens
Working in the garden is hard work and can put a strain on the back and knees raised beds for the soil surface. It makes it easy to do bulk of the work without a lot of bending or kneeling towards the plants making it fun for some even if you can’t move about easily.
spatial use
Corrugated beds made of metal are most suitable for big spaces and even for small ones. They have such a design which will enable them to fit in small spaces ventilated or in city gardens making them suitable for gardeners who do not have enough space. Those people with large flower bows can also arrange the raised ones in order to maximize the aesthetics of their focal gardens.
Selecting the Correct Size and Shape for Your Garden
If you are in the market for a corrugated metal raised garden bed, be sure to choose the size, shape and depth that equally matches your gardening intentions. Some of the considerations include the following:
Size
Determine how much area is at your disposal and the kinds of plants that may be of interest. Bigger raised beds are preferable for the growing of different types of vegetables whereas smaller ones are ideal for the herbs or flowers. The popular dimensions of the corrugated metal inclusions include 4×4 feet, 4×8 feet, and 2×6 feet. Make sure you also provide adequate space between these beds to enable easy movement around the plants.
Depth
The depth of the bed is determined by the plants that are growing in them. Most crops need a depth of 12 to 18 inches for planting while deep rooted ones such as tomatoes or even potatoes may require a deeper growing bed. Shallower beds are good for the growing of either herbs or leafy vegetables.
Shape
Different shapes are available for corrugated metal beds such as rectangular, square, and round. Growing areas in rectangular beds are fully utilized which is most suitable for the growing of vegetables. Making use of a round or an oval shape bed for purpose of planting allows more growth of flowers or vegetable plants for that matter while contributing positively to the beauty of the garden.
Corrugated Metal Raised Garden Beds Installation Steps
When installing corrugated metal raised garden beds, you will find that it is a rather simple task that can be accomplished using basic household tools. Here are the steps that are necessary so that you can set up your garden beds:
Pick a Spot
The plants have so as to have a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, therefore make sure that the location that you choose has a good amount of sunlight during the day. Ensure the site is leveled and has proper drainage.
Clear the Area
After having identified a location, remove all the sod and vegetation. You can either use a weed barrier and put the bed on top of it or place the bed directly in the ground.
Fix the Bed
Most raised garden beds from corrugated metal are sold in the form of a kit packed with metals cut on some trowel, and screws or hard wares for quick assembly. Fit the bed frame as outlined in users’ instructions. Ensure that you have a proper level and secure bed before proceeding to the next step.
Fill with Soil
Make sure you pack the garden bed with quality soil that contains a lot of nutrients. It is best to combine topsoil, compost or any plant material for a rich growing medium. Depending on how deep the bed is, you can also place pebbles or coarse stone at the base to help with drainage.
Plant Your Garden
Now that the bed is filled with enough soil, you are in a position to stake your seeds or seedlings. Do not forget to study the requirements of each plant, considering sunlight, spacing out and others for successful growth.
Maintenance Tips for Corrugated Metal Raised Garden Beds
The corrugated metal raised beds are not high maintenance, but here are some things you can do to maintain them in the best way possible:
Monitor for Rust
Though galvanized metal is rust negative, it is wise to inspect your beds for areas of rust and other corrosion since they are exposed to elements if you reside in areas with extreme conditions. Where there is rust observed, you can spray over the affected area with rustproof spray paint.
Implement Crop Rotation
In order to preserve the quality of your soil and avoid nutrient depletion, comply with the practice of planting a variety of crops in successive seasons. This reduces the chances of soil- borne diseases and enhances the health of the plants.
Apply Organic Mulch On The Surface
A blanket of organic cover such as straw or wood chips should be applied on the soil to reduce moisture loss and the growth of unwanted plants. Mulch also serves to improve the soil as it decomposes.
Hydrate the Garden Beds Often
Raised garden beds are ephemeral and dry out faster than the normal garden plots, hence these tips should be Evelyn executed regularly. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose should cut any chances of overwaterlogging the soil and ensuring that a consistent and uniform watering is done across the soil.
Add Compost Once A Year
Compost is important as nutrients in the soil are bound to get depleted after sometime and as such, it is important to add compost or organic fertilizer to the soil. This will maintain your plants as healthy and productive one season after the other.
Conclusion
Even gardeners with little experience will benefit and invest in corrugate metal raised garden beds. The beds are strong, have good drainage, can contain soil, protect the plants from pests while adding beauty to any outdoor space. Whether you wish to grow vegetables, flowers, or herbs in these raised beds, either way, it will be easier and more pleasant to do the gardening. If installed and maintained well, your corrugated metal raised garden beds will continue to be a brilliant agricultural remedy for years.
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