Knowledgebase
Preparing raised beds each year #753306
Asked June 01, 2021, 3:07 PM EDT
What is the best way to prepare my raised beds for planting each year? I’m on year 15.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Sue,
If you've been growing in the beds for 15 years and likely amending each year, you might not need to do anything. Are the beds productive? Any issues?
You don't want to overamend, and if you've been adding organic materials for years, you probably have a high percentage of organic matter for proper plant growth.
You can always add grass clippings (if you're able) as a thin layer of mulch. They will also add some nitrogen and break down, benefitting your soil.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 1, 2021, at 1:23 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hi Sue,
You may consider getting a soil test, understanding that the CSU Soils lab is running on a 2-3 week delay: http://www.soiltestinglab.colostate.edu
A routine test is $35 and covers all the basics. If you have done one in awhile (or ever!) it would be worth the investment.
Mulch is always good...and using something that breaks down quickly is better than a wood-based mulch, which becomes cumbersome to move around each year.
By sprinkling, do you mean you're watering with a hose and wand? Or do you have drip irrigation? Overhead watering can be more inconsistent than drip, so that could lead to some of your productivity issues.
What are you doing for fertilizer?
