Page 22 - Scene Magazine 46-04 April 2021

Local Interest
BY SHERII SHERBAN
You’ve probably heard about raised gardens but have you ever considered trying one? They actually come in many shapes and sizes. Technically if the soil is even a few inches higher than ground level it is considered a raised bed.
Why is gardening so valuable?
It leads to homegrown self-esteem; reduces risk for heart attack and stroke; reduces stress; makes people happy; helps to achieve better sleep; improves hand strength; can be shared with family and friends; all of which can lead to long-term health benefits, and you can enjoy what you have nurtured to grow, whether for its beauty or for the nourishment.
There are a few challenges to consider. They will cost money to build from materials to soil, but also:
• Soil dries out much faster in summer, which means watering will need to be more frequent.
• Soil gets warmer, which is not good for roots, except in early spring.
• Perennials need to be hardier since a raised bed gets colder in winter.
• The rows between beds need to be wider if you plan to use a wheelbarrow or wheelchair.
If the goal is to enjoy time outside with the benefit of enjoying a bit of produce and herbs, fra- grance and beauty from flowers,
or simply enjoying the soil in your hands then none of the challenges above will get in the way. If your goal is really productivity from what you have planted you are probably better without a raised bed as the beds can be limiting to yield. No matter your goal, rest assured, you will enjoy many personal benefits either way.
Moreover, a bed that is made with walls but is still at ground level is
also considered a raised bed. If a large garden area is too much for you, a variety of smaller containers still rise to the challenge. But most of you might be thinking of the constructed bed that is raised such that someone sitting in
There are many other valuable reasons for using raised beds.
• They can be used in areas that have
a chair can tend to what is growing in
a comfortable way. Cut outs for the person in a wheelchair can be made at intentional locations to make garden- ing even easier and more enjoyable. Others may build them high enough that working on them while standing
is comfortable. Your raised bed should meet your needs and can be done in any of the ways mentioned.
very poor soil, contaminated soil or no soil at all. Containers are small raised beds.
Gardening is an activity that all ages can enjoy, from preschoolers to mature adults. Raised beds create a new way to do so while eliminating many of the reasons that may have been keeping you from enjoying and sharing the joy of gardening.
• Drainage can be better in areas with very poor drainage, but raised beds can also cause drainage problems if they are not built properly.
22 SCENE 4604 I WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Gardening is Good for
Your Health
• They warm up quicker in spring, allowing earlier planting.
• They can be great for people with mobility challenges.
• Different beds can hold different types of soil allowing you to match soil to crops.
• Bottoms can be screened to keep critters out.