RAISED BED GARDENING DIY: BUILD YOUR OWN RAISED BED GARDENING: BEST GROW GUIDE FOR A NOVICE

These days, more and more people are discovering the joys of playing in the dirt though grown-ups might prefer the term "gardening." Food gardening is especially hot, with nearly 20 percent more households hopping on the food-growing train during the past five years. Renewed interest in gardening may be due in part to the local food movement. Locavores are interested in having greater access to healthy, high-quality food, knowing where their food comes from, and supporting the environment and the local economy. Gardening (especially organic gardening) certainly fits the bill Gardening has also been shown to have significant health benefits. For starters, it encourages people to engage in other behaviors and activities that promote wellness. For example, gardeners consume more fruits and vegetables than non-gardeners. When gardeners choose to grow food organically, they're reducing their exposure to pesticides and potentially eating produce with a higher nutrient content. Gardening also reduces stress and improves mental health. And it counts as moderate-intensity exercise, which can help people live longer lives.Raised bed gardening is not a new concept. Traditional gardeners used to double dig their beds to form rectangular or circular mounds 1-1 1/2 ft. high, with sloping edges. A standard practice in areas receiving plenty of rain, it ensured good drainage, besides providing a bit of extra space for growing vegetables.This type of gardening also proved to be perfect for many companion plantings such as carrots and onion family vegetables. The carrots went on the flat top of the beds and enjoyed the deep soil while the onions and leeks planted on the sides all around protected the beds from pests.The benefits don't end there, so it's no surprise that modern gardeners are increasingly embracing raised bed gardening, albeit with a new twist. The sloping sides of the earlier beds have been replaced by solid frames that give them a well-defined look. This way, the beds can be as high as you'd like them and prevents soil runoff during rain.Modern raised beds are relatively easy to construct on your own, making them an excellent option for many. The frames are built with bricks, concrete blocks or timber, and filled up with good soil and plenty of organic matter. With ready-to-assemble kits and prefabricated, food grade plastic containers available, anyone can now have a few raised beds to grow their veggies.