How to Grow Organic Vegetables in a Raised Bed

Overview

Organic gardening has gained a lot of popularity in the recent past, with many people reverting back to this centuries-old form of gardening for health reasons. Organically grown vegetables lack synthetic products and pesticides used when growing commercial vegetables. A raised bed provides gardeners an alternative to growing organic vegetables, if space is a problem. Not only can it be configured according to the space available, but also problems with weeds and rodents are reduced.

Step 1

Line the base of your raised bed with poultry wire or hardware cloth to prevent rodents from attacking your crop.

Step 2

Mix two parts organic soil to one part organic compost such as manure in a separate bucket and pour into the raised bed. Level it with the back of a spade.

Step 3

Purchase seeds of the vegetables you want to grow from your local nursery. Make sure they are compatible with your environment and weather conditions.

Step 4

Follow label instructions for seed depth when planting. Space the seeds closer than you would in a traditional ground bed because every inch in a raised bed is meant for growing. Closer density will mean greater yield, and no weeds.

Step 5

Lightly sprinkle the seeds with water. Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate.

Step 6

Apply a layer of mulch, such as chipped bark or grass clippings over the seedlings to retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Make sure the grass clippings have not been treated with pesticide or any harmful chemicals.

Step 7

Spray insecticidal soap, liquid soap or hot pepper spray on the foliage to deter pests such as spider mites and aphids. Remove other pests with tweezers.

Step 8

Harvest your vegetables as they mature by gently pulling them off the plant.