When information on processed foods first started becoming available many labeled it a hoax. However, as the facts come out it is causing more families to think about the source of the food they put on the table. Some are buying as much organically local food as they can find while others are starting to produce their own.

Another challenge that a lot of people find themselves facing is space. Most of us do not start off in houses with great big yards that allow us to put in a large garden or greenhouse. With that said, we are forced to find ways to grow food that is more space conscious and using raised garden beds, especially the tiered kind, takes care of this problem.

It is said that when “the times get tough the tough get going”. During the tough times of the depression there were many families that had gardens because there was no other choice. Today families do have a choice and they are choosing their health.

Having the experience of many years of gardening coupled with some of the newer technologies opens up some unique possibilities with your raised bed kits as long as you plan correctly. The one thing all the technology and knowledge cannot replace is your time and commitment to the job if gardening itself. Nothing can replace you!

One of the greatest challenges is living in the inner cities. One of the greatest things about a raised bed is you can, if you are careful, use them on stoops, balconies and decks. You need to find out the weight restrictions of the platform and use light soils to fill the bed. If the bed is too heavy, try different types of containers to create a container garden.

Use common sense when placing your bed for the fall through winter months as the sun does change position and the plants will need as much sun as they can get during this time. This will also help you with heat as well. Depending on where you live, you will need to invest in a covering of some sort. A good milled plastic will work to block out the wind and you may need to add a heater for the evenings that are below 45 degrees mark.

Another consideration during the colder months will be heat. Your plants will need to be kept above that 40 degree mark if at all possible. You can accomplish this with a number of methods but the easiest is to use a small electric heater. Just be safe and make sure it is free and has a lot of room around it. You can also heat up and pot of water and simply place it within the enclosure as the heat will radiate all night long.

What you should be able to take away from this article is the fact that you can grow your own food on a year round basis as long as you plan well and have the right tools and equipment. It doesn’t take a lot of money and is well worth the effort once you start harvesting those tasty veggies and herbs. Good Luck!

Using a tiered raised bed is a great way to reduce the amount of space you will need to garden. However, there are many types of raised plant beds that will work as well.

Tags: cedar raised beds, eating local food, garden bed kitss, gardening, growing organic food at home, growing your own food, planter boxes, plastic raised beds, raised beds, recycled raised beds, tiered raised beds, urban raised bed kits, wooden raised beds

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