Before you begin planting your raised bed vegetable garden, there are a few things you should know. For example, you should plant tall plants in the center, medium-height plants on either side of the center line, and shorter plants along the outside edges of the bed. Then, add mulch and fertilizer to help the vegetables grow.

Growing vegetables in triangles

When planting vegetables in a raised vegetable garden, you can make them grow in triangles rather than rows. This will make them more space-efficient and allow you to fit 10 to 14 percent more plants into each bed. Besides, planting in triangles will help you get a higher yield per square foot than growing them in rows or squares.

The first thing to do when planting a triangle garden is to turn the soil underneath the garden bed to a depth of 16 inches. This will help the plants grow deeper roots and prevent burrowing pests. It’s also a good idea to cover the soil with hardware cloth or fine metal mesh. Worm castings will also help the plants grow well and retain moisture. Another advantage to growing crops in triangles is that it can increase yields by up to 10 percent. This method is also helpful when the space between plants is too tight.

Adding mulch

When it comes to mulch, there are a few different options. The best mulch for your vegetable garden is one that works well for your plants and the soil. Wood chips are a great choice because they decompose quickly, introducing nutrients into the soil over time. While pine needles are also an excellent mulch, they can contribute to the soil’s acidity, preventing your plants from growing well. Regardless of the type of mulch you use, be sure to keep an inch of space between the mulch and the plant stems. Otherwise, the mulch may cause rot and fungus problems. Grass clippings are another excellent mulch option because they contain nutrients that your plants need.

Mulch is an excellent way to control soil temperature and extend the growing season. It also helps your plants by protecting them from harsh winter weather. Additionally, it helps to retain moisture and improves soil structure. A thick layer of mulch will also prevent water evaporation, so you’ll need to water less frequently.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing your raised vegetable garden is a great way to keep your plants healthy and vibrant. Most vegetable plants benefit from fertilizing early in the growing season, around the time of transplanting or just before the plants reach the desired height. However, certain types of vegetable plants may require supplemental fertilizer applications or soil amendments later on in the growing season. It is therefore important to familiarize yourself with your vegetable plants before you decide on the proper fertilizing method.

The type of soil in your raised vegetable garden will influence the type of fertilizer that you need. Some vegetables will need soil amendments, which can be applied about two weeks before planting or transplanting. Apply these amendments to the top six inches of soil. You can then apply a fertilizer, such as granular fertilizer, to the plants. Once you have applied the fertilizer, be sure to water them well to mix it in. You should also avoid placing the fertilizer too close to the plant stems, as this can burn the plants.

Adding cover crops

One way to improve the soil in your raised vegetable garden is to add cover crops. These crops can help keep your garden soil healthy by reducing weeds. Winter wheat is a good choice for cover crops. It germinates easily and grows quickly. This crop can be planted in the fall and harvested once it has died back from the winter frost.

Legumes, such as rye, barley, and mustard, can provide organic matter for your garden soil. They also take up nitrogen from the air, which will help your vegetables grow stronger. To get the most out of these cover crops, be sure to purchase the right seed mix.