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Re: raised beds

> I agree, but is it really the "raised" bed that does the job or the
> fact that the growing soil has been replaced? Drainage can only
> occur into the soil below <snip>

In my opinion, both factors are important.  The decision comes down
to the individual gardener's situation, of course.  First of all, it
is important to have good soil.  If you already have good soil
(friable, good drainage, fertile, etc.) then perhaps you don't need
to do anything more than simply plant in that spot, maintaining good
composting habits, etc.

Regarding the drainage issue, I think the keyword in your sentence
above is "below".  In my opinion, it is important that water not pool
up around the plants and cause rot, disease, etc.  Obviously, mulch
will improve their moisture-retaining (and also provides weed
prevention) capabilities, but it should not be so wet that it is like
a pool.  For example, in my own area our soil is very fertile;
however, the soil is so clay-like that it is extremely difficult to
work unless you've just had a torrential rain, in which case it
becomes a big mudpie.  When it is dry it is very hard and clumpy,
making it difficult to grow anything except the hardiest of native
plants.......and weeds.

As I said above, my belief is that it comes down to individual
situations and what will provide the best growing conditions for the
plants.  Some folks are fortunate that they can simply grow in the
ground they're given to work with, others need to raise it for a
variety of reasons:  quality of soil, drainage, easier to work
(easier on the back, for one thing), etc.  I've seen a lot of
different reasons expressed here and in other articles, many of them
perfectly sound for that particular gardener's situation.

><snip> , not through the boards containing the
> raised bed.

I think that depends upon how the raised bed is constructed.  Water
does run through the seams and corners in the boards on my own raised
beds; however, this is not necessarily a desireable trait.  I want
the water to go DOWN where it will soak in to the plant roots and
nourish them, not my walkways where the weeds want to grow!  :(

>I dug up and removed the soil to a depth greater than
> the usual height of a raised bed frame. I then replaced the removed
> soil with a good growing mix. I contend that my drainage is as good
> or better than if the bed were raised. Sure it may be more labor,
> but I need the exercise, and just look at the money I saved.

It sounds as though you've come up with a very good system for your
own situation.  In my area where the soil is terribly hard when dry,
you would've given up on the idea of digging down very quickly!  I
know, I tried it!  My husband and I were out there with PICKAXES
trying to dig out...then we stopped after a couple of hours and
looked at each other, realizing that this was absolutely nuts and
certainly wouldn't work well for the plants.  We decided we'd better
go UP rather than DOWN.

Go with whatever works for YOU....

Joan
cmathew@airmail.net
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/8098/
USDA gardening zone 7b (just north of Dallas, TX)
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