Hey fellow gardeners! So my wife convinced me to move our garden to a raised bed setup, and I've got the keyhole design ready, plus I'm getting the soil in place. I'm looking for advice on a few points as I get started:
1. I've always relied on tomato cages for my plants, but now with this bigger space, I've heard mixed reviews on their effectiveness. Is switching to the string method a good idea for growing tomatoes in Illinois?
2. I'm curious about using a barrier liner. Should I place it under my soil, given that my raised bed is 17 inches tall, or can it go on top? I also have a sunny spot with a drip irrigation system planned.
3. Finally, I'd love any tips for getting everything set up correctly on my first go! I'm eager to make this work but keep running into varying opinions.
Thanks in advance for your help! I'm excited to expand my garden from 80 sq ft to 126 sq ft!
2 Answers
Hey! Regarding your tomatoes, cages work best for determinate types, while stakes or the string method suit indeterminate ones better. And about the barrier liner, I wouldn’t bother with it. You could put hardware cloth on the bottom to deter rodents, but they can be persistent little critters!
1. If you’re considering the string method, it could work well, especially for indeterminate tomatoes. Lots of folks have success with it!
2. As for the barrier liner, I’m not sure why you’d need one. If you’re thinking of using that black landscape fabric, I’d steer clear—it can lead to issues down the line. Instead, consider using straw or wood chips for mulch.
3. Also, don’t forget about crop rotation! It’s super important even in raised beds. Check this link for more on that: [Crop Rotation Guide](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/crop-rotation-vegetable-garden).
Thanks for the tips! I think I’ll skip the liner now.
I’ve had the same issue with cages, especially with heirlooms. They often outgrow the cages!