What are raised garden beds? The "raised" part means the soil level in the bed is higher than the surrounding soil, and "bed" implies a size small enough to work without actually stepping onto the bed.

A bed should be no wider than 4 feet, but length can be whatever suits the site or gardener's needs. Wider beds can be subdivided into sections accessible from planks or stepping stones.

The bed does not have to be enclosed or framed, but if unframed, the use of power tillers is feasible. Framing offers several other opportunities, however; and a properly maintained bed will not need power cultivation.

The benefits of raised-bed gardening include improved soil conditions; ease of working and pest control, and saving water. Soil compaction can reduce crop yields up to 50 percent. Water, air and roots all have difficulty moving through soil compressed by tractors, tillers or foot traffic.

Raised beds also help in situations where compaction is not the only problem. Homeowners might have low spots unsuited for conventional gardens because of poor drainage or excessive erosion from runoff.

There are few guidelines to remember in raised bed construction:

Keep the beds narrow and match their length to the site and the watering system.

A north-south orientation is best for low growing crops, allowing direct sunlight to both sides of the bed.

Beds that contain taller crops such as pole beans, trellised peas or caged tomatoes might do better on an east-west axis. Thus, lower growing crops could be planted on the south side of the bed and still get full sun.

Avoid the use of creosote or pentachlorophenol treated lumber for bed frames. These chemicals can leach out and injure plants. Use redwood, cedar, cement block or brick, or recycled plastic.

The depth of the soil should be at least 6 inches. Fill the bed with top soil mixed with 2 to 3 inches of compost.

什么是凸起的种植床？凸起的意思就是土壤的水平比周围的土壤高。床就表示一个足够小的地，不用踩进床上的地里。

一个床以高不超过四.英尺，但是长度想多长都可以，可以根据主人的需要而定。较宽的可以用木板或者石头分成几部分。

床不必是封闭的或者有框架的。如果是有框架的，使用动力播种机就很实用。框架提供了几个其他优势，然而保持床不用动力耕作是正常的。凸出的种植床的花园另一个好处是可以提高土壤的状况，简单操作，和对病虫害的控制。土壤浓缩可以使庄稼减产百分之五十。水，空气和根系都很难通过被拖拉机，播种机或者交通工具压过的土壤。

凸起的种植床也有助于土地压缩不是仅有上的问题的环境。由于很差的灌溉设备或者是过度的侵蚀使家庭的主人或许有一些低洼的地方而不适和传统的花园。

有几个在凸起种植床建造中需要记住的原则。

使床的宽窄和他的所在地的灌溉系统相配。

对于较低的植物来说，南北走向是最好的。可以让阳光照在两个方向。

对于高杆植物，像大豆，需要架子的豌豆，或者需要像笼子一样的架子的西红柿。最好是东西走向的，这样，更低的植物可以种在南边，仍可以得到充足阳光。

要避免使用咋酚等油漆过的木材做框架。这些化学物质可能破坏或者侵害植物。使用红木，椿木或者水泥砖，或者可以回收的塑料都可以。