Response to Bogi's question about raised beds

Hello Everyone:

Bogi asked me:

Why do you plant in raised planting beds?
Why do the beds need to be raised?

As I did with Virág, I will post my reply to his query for all to see.

The primary purpose of raised beds is the regulation of soil moisture. Our soil is a clay loam and tends to hold more water than is healthy for many plants. In the extreme, raised beds prevent plantings being ‘drowned’ in standing water. Of course, overly wet soil promotes disease and makes life easier for slugs.  

  The hills drain excess surface water into the walkways. This creates a small-scale erosion problem and we mulch the slopes to minimize it. In addition, excess water in the soil drains into the walkways much as water will ooze from a sponge placed on a flat surface. We keep the walkways mulched, as well. This keeps the mud off out feet and helps hold moisture in dry periods.

The raised beds also make it easier for us to work the plantings – less bending – and I can sit or lie on the straw mulch of the walkway.

wb