The benefits of metal raised bed gardening for growing winter crops and herbs
Consuming healthy foods can be a challenge nowadays. Waking up early in the morning to go to the store and shop before all the fresh produce is gone can be a difficult task sometimes. Many people may find this entire process exhausting – resulting in them easily turning to cheaper and more accessible options, which are not at all beneficial!
We are here to urge you not to give up on a healthy lifestyle. The solution is simple (but not so clean) – metal raised beds! You can easily create them according to your available space, and they look amazing. With a little bit of sunshine, a lot of creativity, and some effort, you, too, can create space to grow your affordable and organic fresh produce. Plus, the design challenge in itself is an amazing mental and physical exercise.
A note about metal raised beds
Farmers have grown crops for centuries, so why the sudden appeal for metal raised beds? Well, if you have limited space, they are the perfect choice for you! The raised beds are easy to assemble, you can adapt them to your space, and they are affordable. They provide accessibility to people with limited movements and are excellent for organizing crops.
But what happens when winter comes?
This is when things get interesting – did you know you can plant and harvest a few crops during the winter months? Well, your winter garden may be in full bloom right before the holidays – and that is an exceptional time to fill the dinner table with all kinds of wintery greens!
While we have talked on and on about garden beds and winter, we never answered one question that is probably still in the back of your mind – is the material of the raised garden beds really that important?
The short answer is yes.
Metal garden beds provide essential stability for your crops. Being highly durable, they serve as an ideal choice specifically for those new to gardening. Their sleek metallic look is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, plus these beds are surprisingly easy to maintain. With a metal raised bed, you’ll worry less about pest invasion, particularly if equipped with a raised garden bed cover. Not only does this cover protect the plants from harsh wind and rain, but it also allows you to start planting earlier. Hence, a metal garden bed is a worthwhile investment for gardeners.
Benefits of metal garden beds for growing winter crops and herbs
Are you still on the fence about metal garden beds? Allow us to give you a little insight into what would happen to your winter garden if you decided to go with these convenient structures.
Better soil
The metal garden beds offer soil control. Whether you have a soil issue or have hit a barrier, the bed's structure allows you to control any concern you have about it. This will result in a more nutrient-rich environment for the plants and flowers. Once you fill the beds with the premade soil mix, you are good to go! After one season is over, and you want to prepare yourself for the next one, simply top off the soil and add some additional compost!
Improved harvest
Everyone knows it is easy to plant the greens – it is the harvest that matters. Once you have mastered the harvesting bit in summer, why not try to do the same in winter? Doing some crop rotation will help you improve your harvests and maintain the health of the soil. After a while, if you notice the soil has become nutrient-depleted, just add a little bit of compost.
Water control
Even in winter, plants need watering. But, since the winter season means colder temperatures, you might get confused about the proper watering schedule of your plants. Well, one of the things you should know about the metal raised beds is that they manage to retain heat. By doing so, they can keep your plants partially protected. The soil you have added to your gardening mix should drain well, leaving the soil only moist. Your plants will enjoy proper soil moisture, helping you get that watering situation in order.
Pest Protection
Believe it or not, many backyard habitats can easily make their way in winter and hide to warm up into the plant or under the soil's surface. While this seems like the cutest little story – you will end up with a lot of damaged crops. The good news here is that the raised garden beds prevent that from happening. Your plants will no longer serve as a snack for the wildlife that manages to cross over your yard. They will have difficulty crossing the border, meaning your plants will be safer from pests despite the season.
Extending the season
One of the best things we can highlight (from all the benefits) is getting a harvesting and planting season all year long. Many think that the metal garden beds may only serve their purpose in the summer when, in fact, the winter is just as important. By utilizing these raised beds, you will finally get to enjoy the winter garden of your dreams. The feeling of knowing that you have the entire year to crop anything you wish seems like the perfect example of freedom – one every gardener needs.
Visual aspect
Everyone who is a gardener (or wants to be one) has an eye for the aesthetically pleasing things in life. You are probably one of those people – you want everything to look good, designer-looking, and wonderful. You can grow your vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers in an artistically designed raised garden bed. Place them any way you want to get the look you were going for! End up with a beautiful garden like the ones you see in magazines!
Conclusion
Whatever your preference is, now you have found out the incredible benefits of the metal raised beds – and how to use them during winter! Don’t be afraid of approaching things differently. This just may be what you need to start working on delivering fresh produce in your kitchen every day throughout the entire year. Don’t forget to read another article or two – you will love them!
