Enclosed Green Space Shielded by Elevated Glass Barrier
In cold climates, gardening can be a challenge, but a raised, protected garden offers a solution. This innovative approach combines the practical benefits of raised beds with microclimate management to grow warm-season plants successfully, even in northern growing zones.
Building a Raised Bed
To create a raised garden bed, use materials like wood or stone to construct a defined space elevated above the ground. This helps prevent waterlogging and allows the soil to warm earlier in the season, which is critical in cold climates.
Enriching the Soil
Add quality soil to your raised bed by removing soil from pathways to double the topsoil depth or create your own soil mix optimized for drainage and fertility. This richer soil helps plants withstand cold stress better.
Providing Protection
To shield plants from wind and cold temperatures, add a protective structure such as a clear plastic cover, cold frame, cloche, or hoop house. These enclosures trap heat and maintain a microclimate conducive to growing heat-loving or tender plants without a full greenhouse.
Considering Watering Needs
Raised beds dry out faster, so plan for frequent watering and possibly mulching to retain moisture.
Designing the Size and Location
Design the bed sizes and pathways to suit your space and ease of working, while ensuring good exposure to sunlight. In very cold conditions, additional insulation like straw mulch over soil or thermal blankets on frames can extend the growing season or protect perennials.
Success Stories
This approach has shown excellent results, allowing gardeners in cold climates to grow warmer-season plants successfully. For instance, a raised window protected garden was initially built as a temporary greenhouse out of desperation to grow spring seedlings. Later, the garden was expanded and used to grow tomatoes over the summer, with impressive results.
Benefits for All
Raised garden beds are beneficial for individuals with health problems as they are easy to work with. Furthermore, the raised window protected garden acts as a microclimate for heat-loving plants and is useful in very windy locations to protect plants from wind. Additionally, it provides direct sunlight for the plants and acts as a barrier against burrowing animals such as gophers and moles, with added protection offered by putting chicken wire under the whole bed.
In a cold climate, a raised bed warms up sooner and the soil is usually a bit warmer. The materials used for the raised window protected garden bed include recycled storm windows, spruce boards, chain link fence, landscape fabric, Eco wood treatment, and storm windows. Mel's Mix was used for the soil in the raised bed, consisting of 1/3 compost, 1/3 vermiculite, and 1/3 peat moss. The next step after lining the raised bed is to fill it with soil.
In this case, lining the bottom of the raised bed with landscape fabric is not recommended, as it would hinder the connection to the earth and access for earthworms and other living things. The raised window protected garden acts as a microclimate for heat-loving plants, making it a great way to protect the bed from cold temperatures and expand the country garden beds.
- In raised garden beds, home-grown compost can be used to enrich the soil, benefiting plants by providing essential nutrients and improving drainage.
- Despite the cold climate, gardeners can still plant warm-season plants in a greenhouse-like structure, such as a cold frame, cloche, or hoop house, placed over the raised beds to protect them from the elements.
- The no-till method can be employed in raised beds, reducing soil erosion and maintaining soil health, which is advantageous for gardeners who want to usher in a healthier and more sustainable home-and-garden lifestyle.
- To make the most of each planting season, raised beds can be optimized for continuous planting, with cool-season plants growing in the fall and warm-season plants transplanted into the raised beds as the weather warms up.
- Raised garden beds, especially those with a clear plastic cover or a greenhouse-like structure, offer countless benefits for gardeners, including protection from harsh climates, easier maintenance, and extended growing seasons, making it a popular choice for many home-and-garden enthusiasts.
