The allure of home-grown food is undeniable. From the satisfaction of nurturing a plant from seed to harvest to the delight of cooking with ingredients you've cultivated yourself, edible landscaping offers a unique blend of beauty and utility. Raised garden beds and herb kits are excellent tools to kickstart your edible garden. Here’s a closer look at why these products are essential and how you can use them to create a thriving, aesthetically pleasing garden.
Why Choose Raised Garden Beds?
Raised garden beds have become a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners, and for good reason. The design of raised beds offers several practical benefits. They improve soil drainage, reduce soil compaction, and make gardening more accessible by raising the planting area off the ground. This is particularly helpful for those with limited mobility or who prefer a more comfortable gardening experience. Additionally, raised beds can help extend your growing season by warming the soil faster in spring and protecting plants from frost in autumn.
Wicking beds are an excellent choice. These self-watering structures feature a water reservoir at the base that allows plants to draw moisture as needed, reducing the frequency of watering and ensuring consistent soil moisture. Karlie Ross from Limitless Queensland recommends wicking beds, noting that "these are the best for eco-friendly garden beds."
Wicking beds are typically constructed using materials like corten steel, which offers both durability and aesthetic appeal. Karlie adds, "We typically recommend and use custom laser-cut steel to construct these planters. It makes for an extremely durable housing for the garden, unlike timber, which can rot, shift, and split." Over time, the steel develops a beautiful rusted finish that adds dimension to the garden landscape, blending functionality with a stylish, rustic look.
Vegepod’s raised garden beds are a great premade option. They stand out with their eco-friendly and durable design. Made from high-quality, UV-stabilised, food-grade plastic, these beds are lightweight, weather-resistant, and built to last. According to Vegepod, "These beds can endure the elements for up to 10-15 years, which minimises waste and offers a sustainable gardening solution."
Choosing the Right Soil
The quality of your soil can make a significant difference in the success of your garden. When setting up raised beds or planters, it’s important to choose nutrient-dense organic matter. Karlie Ross advises, “Purchase your soil from your local landscape supplier and ask them to provide their most nutrient-dense organic matter. It's always best to tell them that it's being used for a planter/raised garden so that they can help you choose which variety is best.”
Additionally, to ensure proper drainage and prevent soil diseases like moulds and fungi, it’s recommended to add rock or a coarse aggregate to the bottom of all planters. This allows water to drain freely, keeping the soil healthy and your plants thriving.
Starting Your Edible Garden with Herbs
Herbs are an excellent entry point for those new to edible gardening. They are relatively easy to grow and can be cultivated in various conditions, making them a versatile addition to any garden. According to Vegepod, mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow. It’s a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of environments and spreads vigorously, making it perfect for a lush, aromatic garden. Other beginner-friendly herbs include basil, parsley, chives, and thyme. However, Vegepod notes that "coriander, while still manageable, requires a bit more attention and care."
Herb kits can be an ideal way to start your herb garden. These kits often come with everything you need to get started, including seeds, soil, and instructions. They are a convenient option for beginners and can help ensure that you have all the essentials for a successful start.
Starting an edible garden with raised garden beds and herb kits offers a fantastic opportunity to grow your own food while enhancing your garden’s beauty. By selecting high-quality, eco-friendly materials for your beds, choosing the right soil, and carefully planning your garden layout, you can create a thriving, productive space that delights the senses and provides fresh, home-grown ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these tips and tools will help you cultivate a garden that is both functional and visually appealing.