Local resident J. Edwin Williams is often proclaimed as America's Raised Garden Guru.  Join in the joys of the raised gardening  experience as J. Edwin Williams guides  you through the process from A to Z  with his enlightening articles on the subject.

Raised gardens are by no means a new idea but the concept is rapidly gaining adherents. Research centers and agricultural experimental  stations are turning more and more to raised garden beds as a way to achieve their goals. Public schools often have a garden club where students are able to express themselves creatively by developing garden spots, then experiencing the thrill of seeing the first little sprouts rise through the surface of the soil; then to finally display their efforts as a harvest of beautiful vegetables.

How does one go about developing a raised garden bed? Quite frankly there are more methods than is possible to list. Gaining in popularity are gardens erected using composite lumber or decking planks. Both of these materials are suitable because they reject moisture and for their resistance to rotting. Either of these materials will give long lasting gardens. Those individuals who are particularly energetic may pursue a construction technique involving the use of faux stone. These interlocking concrete blocks make very attractive raised gardens but are considered to be quite permanent.

Gardens constructed of planks on the other hand, offer the option of being able to dismantle the garden should it become necessary. Once the planks are removed, the soil can then be raked onto the surrounding area and smoothed and possibly be replanted as lawn.

Raised gardens have evolved from tediously laid out and laborious projects, to a simple hinged style that erects by unfolding into a rectangle. The action of folding the garden frame makes the assembly easy to ship and erection is achieved by merely spreading the frame open with ones feet. Since all sections of the frame are joined together assembly is eliminated. Truly, what could be simpler?

Stay tuned for future articles on raised garden beds,  coming to you monthly on cumminghome.com!

Click HERE to visit J Edwin Williams' Website