Do raised beds extend the growing season?

When using raised beds, you will see a noticeable improvement in your growing season compared to traditional gardens. The elevated soil structure warms quickly in the spring sunlight. It holds heat longer in the cooler autumn nights. Extension of the thermal benefit creates more weeks of productive plants.

Soil in raised beds warms up 2-4 weeks earlier than ground soil. Dark materials such as stone or wood readily absorb solar energy. This thermal mass effect promotes rapid seed germination. You can plant cold-tolerant crops while frost remains a threat to in-ground plots.

Establish microclimates through simple protective structures. Cold frames are like small greenhouses, which trap warmth. Row covers provide frost protection and temperature protection of 4-8°F overnight. Low tunnels will allow you to harvest crops even through winter snows. If you utilize some of these protective structures, you can significantly extend your growing days.

Enhance your planting calendar with succession planning. Germinate spring peas 3 weeks earlier than typical in cloches. Then transplant summer tomatoes into that space. Finally, plant winter spinach with row covers. This helps quadruple your annual yield potential!

Keep a record of soil temperature to determine the best time to plant. Stick a thermometer 4 inches into the soil and plant cool-season crops when the soil temperature reaches 40°F. Warm-season crops require at least 60°F. This is a great way to save yourself the labor of planting seeds that will freeze and die.

Read the full article: 10 Key Benefits of Raised Beds for Your Garden