Elevate Your Growing Experience

If you've ever wanted to grow your own fresh vegetables, herbs, or even small fruits but don't have the space for a traditional garden, we have great solutions for you! From budget-friendly options like grow bags and containers to elevated raised garden beds and planter boxes, there's a solution to fit your needs.

Different Types of Garden Beds

If you have a small backyard, patio or balcony, using one of these garden beds will help maximize your potential while making gardening more accessible and efficient.

• Grow Bags – These affordable, breathable containers provide excellent drainage and promote healthy root growth. Smaller grow bags are ideal for lettuces, radishes, onions, and herbs, while larger ones are great for individual plants like tomatoes and peppers. You can even grow potatoes and sweet potatoes in them!
• Large Containers and Pottery – Ideal for herbs, leafy greens, or dwarf fruit trees. They provide mobility and can be placed on patios or balconies.
• Elevated Raised Beds and Planter Boxes – Great for mixed planting of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, offering both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic convenience.
• In-Ground Raised Beds – Best for larger vegetable gardens, providing ample space for root crops like carrots, onions, and beets.

The Benefits of Raised Garden Beds

Earl May Garden Center offers several different styles of raised garden beds. A raised garden bed offers numerous advantages that make them a smart choice for any gardener:

• Better Soil Control – With a raised bed, you have complete control over soil quality. By using the right mix of soil amendments and raised bed food, you can create a nutrient-rich environment that promotes strong, healthy plant growth.
• Improved Drainage – Unlike in-ground gardens, raised beds allow excess water to drain efficiently, preventing root rot and other moisture-related issues.
• Fewer Weeds and Pests – The contained growing space minimizes weed invasion and can deter common garden pests.
• Extended Growing Season – The soil in raised beds warms up faster in spring, allowing for earlier planting and a longer harvest window.
• Ergonomic and Accessible – Raised beds reduce the need for bending and kneeling, making gardening easier on your back and joints. They can also be customized to accommodate different heights, which is great for individuals with mobility issues.

Choosing the Right Location

To get the most out of your raised garden bed, choose a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If possible, place the bed near a water source for easy irrigation. Avoid areas with excessive shade or strong winds that could impact plant growth.

The Ideal Soil Mix

For optimal plant health and productivity, we recommend using Black Gold® Raised-Bed & Potting Mix.

How to Calculate Soil Volume

Before filling your raised bed, determine how much soil you need. Use the simple formula: Height x Width x Length = Cubic Feet of Soil Needed For example, a raised bed that measures 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 1 foot deep requires 4 x 2 x 1 = 8 cubic feet of soil.

Best Plants for Raised Garden Beds

Raised beds are perfect for growing a wide variety of plants, including:

• Vegetables – Tomatoes, onions, lettuce, carrots, peppers, radishes, and spinach.
• Herbs – Basil, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, and parsley.
• Small Fruits – Strawberries, blueberries (in acidic soil), and raspberries.

Small Space Gardening at Earl May

If you’re ready to start your raised bed garden, visit your local Earl May Garden Center. We offer a variety of raised bed kits, premium soil blends, and high-quality vegetable plants, herbs, and small fruits to ensure your gardening success. Whether you choose raised beds, large pots, or window boxes, we have everything you need to GET MORE from your garden space.

Want to see raised bed gardening in action? Watch our video on planting tomatoes in containers and get inspired to start growing today!

Start Your Raised Bed Garden Today

With the right setup, even the smallest space can become a thriving garden. Elevate your gardening experience with our Raised Garden Bed Collection and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all season long!