Recommended Raised Garden Beds and Composters for Organic Gardening (circa 2011)
Errors to Steer Clear of for Inexperienced Farmstead Owners
In the year 2011, organic gardening was gaining popularity, and several products emerged as favourites for creating a sustainable garden setup. Among them were the Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds and the VegTrug Raised Garden Planter - Natural Wood.
Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds
These garden beds, made from 100% natural, untreated western red cedar, were a popular choice for gardeners. They were designed to provide optimal drainage for plants, raised off the ground to prevent soil compaction and improve drainage. The L-shaped design offered an efficient use of space, making it ideal for small gardens.
The Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds boasted a modern and stylish design that complemented any garden. They were easy to assemble, requiring no tools for setup. Available in multiple sizes, they were versatile enough to accommodate a variety of plants and vegetables.
VegTrug Raised Garden Planter - Natural Wood
Another popular option was the VegTrug Raised Garden Planter, made from FSC-certified sustainable European larch. These planters promoted excellent drainage and aeration, making them suitable for organic gardening.
Composters
Composting was an essential part of organic gardening, and several composters were recommended for use in 2011. Tumbling composters, such as the Jora JK270 Composter - 9.5 Cubic Feet, allowed for easy turning and faster decomposition while minimising pests. Worm compost bins, like the Worm Factory 360 Composter, were great for producing nutrient-rich compost and ideal for gardeners with limited space. Traditional bin or heap composters, using wooden or plastic bins that provided good aeration and drainage, were also popular choices.
Garden Supplies
Organic matter like wood chips, mulch, grass clippings, and prunings at the bottom of raised beds improved soil fertility and structure. Organic soil mixes, enriched with compost, peat moss or coconut coir, and vermiculite, were recommended. Natural fertilizers and amendments, such as blood meal, bone meal, fish emulsion, kelp meal, and compost teas, were also employed. Mulches, like straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips, were used to conserve moisture and suppress weeds organically.
Natural pest control methods included neem oil, insecticidal soaps, beneficial insects like ladybugs, and physical barriers such as row covers. It was essential to avoid synthetic or questionable materials like tires, plastic, or Styrofoam in raised beds for organic gardens.
This article, written by Greg Seaman on May 4, 2011, highlights the best practices and product recommendations for organic gardening in 2011. The Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds and the VegTrug Raised Garden Planter - Natural Wood were popular choices for gardeners looking for a durable and attractive raised garden bed solution. Other products mentioned include the Farmstead Raised Garden Bed, the Corn Gluten Organic Fertilizer 8-0-0 - 40 lbs, the Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose - Slim 7/16", the Stainless Steel Compost Keeper, and the Wildflower Farms Eco-Lawn Grass Seed - 5 lb.
In the realm of sustainable living, home-and-garden enthusiasts in 2011 were particularly fond of the Natural Cedar L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds, which not only offered an efficient use of space for small gardens but also promoted a modern and stylish addition to any garden lifestyle. The VegTrug Raised Garden Planter, crafted from sustainable European larch, was another popular choice, appealing to those who sought excellent drainage and aeration for their organic gardening endeavors.
