Quick Guide for Mosquito-Avoiding Vegetation: Simple Plants to Deter Mosquitoes
In an article written by Greg Seaman on April 28, 2018, several gardening products were discussed, including the VegTrug Raised Garden Planter. This article will focus on the VegTrug Raised Garden Planter and other natural cedar raised garden beds, highlighting their benefits and best practices for use.
The VegTrug Raised Garden Planter
The VegTrug Raised Garden Planter is designed to be easy to assemble and durable, with a 10-year guarantee. Made from FSC certified wood, this raised garden bed is raised off the ground, providing good drainage, and is available in various sizes. The VegTrug Raised Garden Planter is unique as it has a self-watering system and is designed to be used on a balcony or patio. With a weight capacity of 350 pounds, it is a sturdy and reliable choice for gardeners.
Benefits of Using Natural Cedar Raised Garden Beds
Natural cedar raised garden beds offer several advantages. They are rot-resistant, durable, and can last much longer than other woods like pine without needing chemical treatment, making them safer for growing edibles. The natural oils in cedar also provide some protection against insects and garden pests.
Raised beds with open bottoms allow roots to grow deep and access native soil nutrients and beneficial soil biology, promoting healthier plant growth. They improve soil and moisture control, reducing soil compaction, and making it easier to maintain soil quality, which can boost yield per square foot.
Raised beds are also easier to use, reducing bending and kneeling, making gardening more accessible and comfortable, especially for elderly or limited mobility gardeners. Additionally, natural western red cedar has an attractive look and ages gracefully, fading to gray without cracking or splitting like pine.
Best Practices for Using Natural Cedar Raised Garden Beds
To maximize the benefits of natural cedar raised garden beds, it's essential to follow some best practices. Choose untreated cedar lumber or kits specifically made from natural cedar to avoid chemicals leaching into edible plants. Select appropriate dimensions, with common sizes being beds 4 feet wide (to reach the middle easily from both sides) and about 11–16 inches deep to accommodate root systems without compacting soil.
Opt for sturdy construction hardware, such as stainless steel or rust-proof steel corner pins, rods, and crossbars, to keep corners secure and prevent bowing in longer beds. Ensure open-bottom installation by placing raised beds directly on soil (optionally over a weed barrier or black plastic sheet to control weeds) to allow natural soil biology access and drainage.
When needed, boards can be stacked for heights up to 33 inches. Consider seasonal protection and design enhancements, such as greenhouse covers and raised beds made from high-quality cedar, to extend the growing season and protect from frost and pests.
In addition to the VegTrug Raised Garden Planter, other products mentioned in the article include Natural Cedar Planter Boxes, Mosquito Dunks, Wooden Bat House - Single Chamber, Farmstead Raised Garden Bed, and Natural Cedar Raised Garden Beds. Mosquito Dunks are not a garden bed but a product to control mosquitoes.
In summary, natural cedar raised beds offer a long-lasting, rot-resistant, pest-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing solution ideal for vegetable, flower, and herb gardening, especially when carefully sized and constructed to maximize access, drainage, and soil health without chemicals.
The VegTrug Raised Garden Planter, with its unique self-watering system and design suitable for balconies or patios, is a sustainable choice for gardeners, contributing to a lifestyle that incorporates home-and-garden practices. Natural cedar raised garden beds, like the VegTrug, offer benefits such as rot-resistance, insect protection, and improved soil and moisture control, making them an excellent option for sustainable living and gardening.
