I'm new to gardening this year and have started with container gardening. Next year, I'm looking to switch to raised garden beds, but I'm not sure how to approach it. My backyard has plenty of space, but deer and shade from large trees are making things tricky. I have a sunny spot that's mostly filled with pavers, and while I could certainly make a deep enough bed to plant there, I'm worried about drainage since it's not directly on the dirt. Is it a good idea to remove the pavers completely? They don't look great, and they seem out of place. I prefer shorter raised beds over really tall ones. Any thoughts on different styles of beds? I've seen metal options, wooden beds (both with and without corner stones), and even cinder block ones. I'd like to get some recommendations to help me make an informed decision before I invest in this project.
3 Answers
I love my metal raised bed! The 17-inch height really eases strain on my back compared to my shorter beds. I suggest making your beds no wider than 3 feet to reach everything easily. I also have some plastic beds from Costco that work well, but they can be tough to access everything inside. If you don't mind the work, I recommend removing those pavers for better drainage and plant growth.
I built a raised bed last year and just added a hoop house to keep pests away. If you're considering putting a bed on pavers, keep in mind that water drainage might discolor them. You could even design the bed to fit around some of the pavers if you want to keep them. Also, some plants like tomatoes and peppers can attract deer, but marigolds are great for deterring pests!
Honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of raised beds unless your soil is rocky, shallow, or contaminated. They tend to need more frequent watering, but they warm up quicker in spring. Personally, I prefer wide rows with narrow paths in between. You can still create raised beds by adding soil atop the pathways every year. And yes, I'd definitely remove the pavers; your plants will thrive better in natural soil.