Raised Garden Beds Offer Numerous Benefits

by Tammy Sons – August 30, 2023

Raised garden beds offer numerous benefits for both novice and experienced gardeners alike

These beds enhance productivity, convenience, and aesthetics in gardening by elevating the soil level, creating distinct planting areas, and providing controlled growing conditions.

One of the primary benefits of raised garden beds is improved soil quality. Gardeners can create a fertile growing environment using high-quality soil, compost, and other organic matter. Unlike the native soil, which may be compacted or lack essential nutrients, the soil in raised beds is loose, well-drained, and rich in organic matter.

It promotes healthy root development, prevents waterlogging, and allows for better nutrient uptake by plants, leading to increased yields and healthier plants overall. Another advantage of raised garden beds is their ability to provide excellent drainage. The elevated nature of these beds prevents water from pooling and allows excess moisture to drain away, reducing the risk of root rot and other water-related issues. It is particularly beneficial in areas with heavy rainfall or poorly draining soil.

The improved drainage allows gardeners more control over watering, preventing overwatering and water wastage. Raised garden beds also offer better weed control.

The increased height makes spotting and removing weeds easier, and the controlled environment allows for targeted weed management. It reduces the competition for resources between weeds and desired plants, leading to healthier and more productive crops.

Gardening in raised beds provides greater control over soil composition and amendments

Gardeners can customize the soil mix to different plants' needs, ensuring optimal growth conditions. It is especially advantageous for gardeners with challenging soil conditions such as heavy clay or sandy soil.

Additionally, raised beds make monitoring and adjusting pH levels, nutrients, and organic matter content easier, promoting healthy plant growth. The raised height of these beds also offers ergonomic benefits. Gardeners do not have to bend as much or kneel on the ground, reducing strain on the back and knees. It makes gardening more accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and physical abilities.

Additionally, the raised height allows for more manageable maintenance tasks such as pruning, mulching, and harvesting, as the plants are within comfortable reach.

Furthermore, raised garden beds can extend the growing season. The soil in these beds warms up faster in spring, allowing for earlier planting and longer growing seasons. The increased heat retention also protects plants from late spring frosts or early fall chills, enabling gardeners to produce a broader range of crops. In colder climates, raised beds can be equipped with covers or cloches to create a microclimate, further extending the growing season and protecting tender plants from frost.

Raised garden beds are also aesthetically pleasing. These beds' defined boundaries and structured layout add visual appeal to the garden, creating an organized and tidy appearance. In terms of pest control, raised beds offer some advantages as well. The increased height can deter certain pests, such as slugs and snails, that have difficulty climbing into the beds. Physical barriers like wire mesh or netting can further protect crops from pests.

The controlled environment of raised beds makes monitoring and promptly addressing pest issues easier, preventing infestations from spreading and minimizing the use of chemical pesticides.

Raised garden beds can be a sustainable gardening option

The efficient use of space in these beds allows for higher gardens in a more compact area than traditional gardens.

It reduces the land footprint required for gardening, making it ideal for urban or limited-space situations. Additionally, the controlled environment of raised beds promotes water conservation by reducing evaporation and runoff.

Furthermore, using compost and organic matter improves soil health and reduces the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, promoting environmentally friendly gardening practices. In conclusion, raised garden beds offer a wide range of benefits.

From improved soil quality and drainage to enhanced weed control and ergonomic advantages, these beds provide gardeners with a more productive, convenient, and visually appealing gardening experience.

With their ability to extend the growing season, aid in pest control, and promote sustainable practices, raised garden beds have become famous for both experienced and beginners looking to maximize their gardening efforts. 

Tn Nursery https://www.tnnursery.net

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Wild Ginger - TN Nursery

Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant with heart-shaped leaves and unique, reddish-brown, tubular flowers often hidden beneath the foliage, typically found in shaded woodlands. It is a beautiful, versatile groundcover perennial that can be a valuable addition to landscaping. Here are some of its attributes and benefits when used in landscaping. Wild ginger is a plant that many may need to be made aware of. An ideal addition to a lawn that needs some variety in terms of the types and sizes of plants, there are plenty of reasons to start growing this plant where you live. Let's take a look at what it has to offer and how it might benefit your space. Wild Ginger (Asarum) Acts As a Larger Groundcover This plant is the perfect groundcover for those who want something that's a bit larger and can blend in seamlessly with their much smaller and much larger plants. Its heart-shaped leaves can extend up to eight inches tall, helping it seamlessly blend in throughout areas where smaller flowers feel disjointed in contrast with their much taller counterparts. If you have an area where you're having trouble growing grass or want something different, this plant will do! Wild Ginger Attracts Unique Pollinators This plant's flowers do not bloom toward the top. Instead, the jug-like flowers grow near the bottom of the plant. As a result, this attracts pollinators like ants and flies that you wouldn't usually think of as benefitting your garden. If you have other forms of ground cover or smaller plants that may need extra support, this plant could be an excellent addition to attract the pollinators your other plants aren't bringing in. Wild Ginger Is A Great Groundcover For Shady Areas Groundcover is a great way to reduce the number of weeds in your garden or yard. Because ground cover takes up the bulk of the planted space, it's much harder for weeds to take root and begin spreading. Should some weeds manage to start growing, they're much easier to pluck out. This plant is perfect if you want to reduce weeds and have something intentionally growing in your space. Reduces Soil Erosion With Wild Ginger Wild Ginger root systems spread across the space and keep soil in place, reducing soil erosion and ensuring that your soil retains its beneficial qualities. It also protects the roots of nearby plants, which is essential if you're looking to create a robust, beautiful garden. How To Identify Wild Ginger  Wild ginger is easily recognized by its heart-shaped leaves. It has small, inconspicuous brownish-purple flowers that are formed near the ground level and may not be noticed because of the foliage.  Where Does Wild Ginger Grow Best  Wild ginger grows best in shaded woodland environments with moist, well-drained soils with organic matter.  How Does Wild Ginger Reproduce  Wild ginger is propagated by rhizomes and creates a ground cover gradually. It can also spread through seeds but mainly reproduce through rhizomes.  How fast do Wild Ginger plants grow  Wild ginger grows slowly. But once it's established, it all add up to make a habitual ground cover that doesn't need frequent care. How Ginger And Wild Ginger Are Different  Ginger is derived from the rhizomes of a tropical species called Zingiber officinale, also called a ginger spice. Wild ginger is Asarum genus, and it is more preferred as an ornamental plant and as a ground cover.
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Lyreleaf Sage - TN Nursery

Lyreleaf Sage

Lyreleaf Sage is a perennial wildflower characterized by its delicate, lyre-shaped leaves and spikes of tubular, purple-to-blue flowers. It is often found in dry, open woodlands and meadows. When thoughtfully integrated into landscaping designs, it presents a range of benefits. Its distinctive appearance, adaptability, contributions to biodiversity, and potential for enhancing outdoor spaces' visual and ecological aspects make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. Lyreleaf Sage (Salvia lyrata) Produces Flowers Annually  Lyreleaf sage, also known as Salvia lyrata, is an herbaceous perennial. This means that its stems usually do not consist of any woodsy parts. It produces flowers annually before losing them every winter and usually lives for over two years.  Also, being described as "sage" means that it is a hardy, vigorous plant that can withstand being walked on much more than is the case for many other types of greenery. It is also known for its ability to resist, especially wet or dry conditions. This plant is the only one with this specific description native to North America. It should not be confused with the nightshade, an East Asian flowering plant. Lyreleaf Sage Has A Long Stem With Blooms This hairy perennial grows a rosette of leaves at its base, and those leaves, which have irregular margins, can extend up to 8 inches. Its stem usually reaches 1-2 feet long, and leaves typically grow higher, although those located there are much simpler. Its leaves are dark green for much of the year, usually changing to dark purple in the winter. Lyreleaf Sage Is A Pollinator Plant Flowering tends to happen more extensively in April, May, and June, although it can occur sporadically throughout the year, with fall commonly being another significant time. These blue or violet flowers reach an inch long and attract butterflies and hummingbirds, while bees are their predominant pollinators. This plant can transition from being a seed to flowering in just a few months. Where Lyreleaf Sage Is Found The natural settings for most of these flowering plants include open areas and along forest edges. It is also commonly found in clearings, meadows, and sand. Many use it in gardens and lawns. Lyreleaf Sage's native area is spread throughout much of the eastern half of the United States, specifically from Connecticut south to Florida and west to Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. What are the key characteristics of the lyreleaf sage plant Lyreleaf Sage has bright blue flowers that bloom over spring and summer and are a precious resource to bees and butterfly lovers. It's easily identified by its pretty, shiny leaves shaped like a lyre.  How should lyreleaf sage be planted and cared for?You can cultivate Plant Lyreleaf Sage in the spring after the last frost has passed, and ensure you space the plants 12 to 18 inches apart. It is essential to water young plants frequently in order to help them start root development. Dead flowers should be deadheaded to make way for newer ones and prune the plant during early spring.  How can lyreleaf sage be propagated This plant can be propagated by dividing existing plants or by using stem cuttings. Just obtain a cutting with some nodes and put it in the soil to produce roots.  What are some creative ways to incorporate lyreleaf sage in landscaping Grow lyreleaf sage at the edges of borders, as a groundcover, or in a rocky garden to add color and texture. This shrub has a low growing habit coupled with beautiful flowers, making it very suitable for different landscaping models.  What is the Lifespan of a lyreleaf sage plant This perennial plant lives for around two to three years. However, Lyreleaf sage is able to self-seed, thus allowing them to emerge each year.
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Mayapple - TN Nursery

Mayapple

Mayapple is a woodland perennial plant with distinctive, umbrella-like leaves and a single nodding white flower beneath its foliage. When pollinated, it produces small, edible fruit commonly found in shady forest environments. It is a fascinating native plant in North America with various landscaping benefits. Its unique appearance and adaptability can contribute to outdoor spaces' aesthetic and ecological aspects. Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) Has Stunning Drooping Blooms Mayapples yield drooping blooms ranging from white to rose throughout spring. Their leaves are broad and umbrella-shaped, with only one blossom per leaf axil. The flowers grow up to three inches wide. Each flower boasts white filaments, anywhere from six to nine waxy petals, double the number of stamens, six green petals, and yellow anthers. Because they are transient spring plants, they are only in bloom temporarily. Upon opening, the flower releases its petals. These plants can rise to a foot and a half tall. They produce a golden-colored fruit in late May. The fruit ripens in August. Provide a Haven for Pollinators With Mayapple It is easy to spot for pollinators because of its large, prominent blossoms. Its display of six to nine perfectly arranged petals adds to its attractiveness. This, combined with their abundance of pollen, makes them a haven for pollinators like bees and beetles. Their early spring blooming schedule coincides nicely with the pollinating needs of many early-emerging pollinators. Make Your Yard Healthier With Mayapple As a perennial, they improve the yard's health and biodiversity yearly. These plants have a natural look that adds shade and moisture to your yard or garden. Their roots can draw water up from deeper soil levels, which helps keep the topsoil from drying out too much. Their leaves unfold and swell when the weather gets warmer, transforming into pleated spirals adorned with delicate hair around their edges. These leaves transform into intricately lobed structures resembling umbrellas, functioning as efficient machines for photosynthesis.  Mayapples Are Native Perennials With Umbrella-Like Leaves Mayapple grows fast and in dense clusters, helping them outcompete many weed species by limiting their access to sunlight, water, and nutrients. Their extensively spreading roots add to their ability to restrict weed growth, and their allelopathic effects inhibit weed germination by acting as a natural herbicide. Once their leaves fall off, they decay and release vital nutrients into the soil, making it healthier and hindering weed growth. What does a Mayapple look like  The Mayapple plant has large, umbrella-shaped leaves which attain up to 12 inches in diameter. During spring, it bears small white flowers located beneath the foliage.  Where does the Mayapple grow best?  Mayapples prefer growing in shaded or partially shaded areas of the garden. They grow well in soil with good drainage and organic matter. It is suited for woodland gardens where it can spread and eventually provide a thick, green ground cover.  Is the Mayapple low-maintenance  Mayapples require very little care once they are established. They need very little maintenance - water once or twice a week when the climate is hot and dry - so they are perfect for novice gardeners.  How does the Mayapple spread  Mayapples spread through rhizomes and can create large colonies over some time. With this kind of propagation, they are ideal for erosion control and filling up a large area.  Can Mayapples be grown in pots  Although they are normally grown in gardens, mayapples can be grown in large containers. Make sure your pot has proper drainage and is placed in a shaded area. Do not forget to provide the plant with soil rich in organic matter to replicate the natural habitat.
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Wild Ginger - TN Nursery

Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant with heart-shaped leaves and unique, reddish-brown, tubular flowers often hidden beneath the foliage, typically found in shaded woodlands. It is a beautiful, versatile groundcover perennial that can be a valuable addition to landscaping. Here are some of its attributes and benefits when used in landscaping. Wild ginger is a plant that many may need to be made aware of. An ideal addition to a lawn that needs some variety in terms of the types and sizes of plants, there are plenty of reasons to start growing this plant where you live. Let's take a look at what it has to offer and how it might benefit your space. Wild Ginger (Asarum) Acts As a Larger Groundcover This plant is the perfect groundcover for those who want something that's a bit larger and can blend in seamlessly with their much smaller and much larger plants. Its heart-shaped leaves can extend up to eight inches tall, helping it seamlessly blend in throughout areas where smaller flowers feel disjointed in contrast with their much taller counterparts. If you have an area where you're having trouble growing grass or want something different, this plant will do! Wild Ginger Attracts Unique Pollinators This plant's flowers do not bloom toward the top. Instead, the jug-like flowers grow near the bottom of the plant. As a result, this attracts pollinators like ants and flies that you wouldn't usually think of as benefitting your garden. If you have other forms of ground cover or smaller plants that may need extra support, this plant could be an excellent addition to attract the pollinators your other plants aren't bringing in. Wild Ginger Is A Great Groundcover For Shady Areas Groundcover is a great way to reduce the number of weeds in your garden or yard. Because ground cover takes up the bulk of the planted space, it's much harder for weeds to take root and begin spreading. Should some weeds manage to start growing, they're much easier to pluck out. This plant is perfect if you want to reduce weeds and have something intentionally growing in your space. Reduces Soil Erosion With Wild Ginger Wild Ginger root systems spread across the space and keep soil in place, reducing soil erosion and ensuring that your soil retains its beneficial qualities. It also protects the roots of nearby plants, which is essential if you're looking to create a robust, beautiful garden. How To Identify Wild Ginger  Wild ginger is easily recognized by its heart-shaped leaves. It has small, inconspicuous brownish-purple flowers that are formed near the ground level and may not be noticed because of the foliage.  Where Does Wild Ginger Grow Best  Wild ginger grows best in shaded woodland environments with moist, well-drained soils with organic matter.  How Does Wild Ginger Reproduce  Wild ginger is propagated by rhizomes and creates a ground cover gradually. It can also spread through seeds but mainly reproduce through rhizomes.  How fast do Wild Ginger plants grow  Wild ginger grows slowly. But once it's established, it all add up to make a habitual ground cover that doesn't need frequent care. How Ginger And Wild Ginger Are Different  Ginger is derived from the rhizomes of a tropical species called Zingiber officinale, also called a ginger spice. Wild ginger is Asarum genus, and it is more preferred as an ornamental plant and as a ground cover.
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Lyreleaf Sage - TN Nursery

Lyreleaf Sage

Lyreleaf Sage is a perennial wildflower characterized by its delicate, lyre-shaped leaves and spikes of tubular, purple-to-blue flowers. It is often found in dry, open woodlands and meadows. When thoughtfully integrated into landscaping designs, it presents a range of benefits. Its distinctive appearance, adaptability, contributions to biodiversity, and potential for enhancing outdoor spaces' visual and ecological aspects make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. Lyreleaf Sage (Salvia lyrata) Produces Flowers Annually  Lyreleaf sage, also known as Salvia lyrata, is an herbaceous perennial. This means that its stems usually do not consist of any woodsy parts. It produces flowers annually before losing them every winter and usually lives for over two years.  Also, being described as "sage" means that it is a hardy, vigorous plant that can withstand being walked on much more than is the case for many other types of greenery. It is also known for its ability to resist, especially wet or dry conditions. This plant is the only one with this specific description native to North America. It should not be confused with the nightshade, an East Asian flowering plant. Lyreleaf Sage Has A Long Stem With Blooms This hairy perennial grows a rosette of leaves at its base, and those leaves, which have irregular margins, can extend up to 8 inches. Its stem usually reaches 1-2 feet long, and leaves typically grow higher, although those located there are much simpler. Its leaves are dark green for much of the year, usually changing to dark purple in the winter. Lyreleaf Sage Is A Pollinator Plant Flowering tends to happen more extensively in April, May, and June, although it can occur sporadically throughout the year, with fall commonly being another significant time. These blue or violet flowers reach an inch long and attract butterflies and hummingbirds, while bees are their predominant pollinators. This plant can transition from being a seed to flowering in just a few months. Where Lyreleaf Sage Is Found The natural settings for most of these flowering plants include open areas and along forest edges. It is also commonly found in clearings, meadows, and sand. Many use it in gardens and lawns. Lyreleaf Sage's native area is spread throughout much of the eastern half of the United States, specifically from Connecticut south to Florida and west to Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. What are the key characteristics of the lyreleaf sage plant Lyreleaf Sage has bright blue flowers that bloom over spring and summer and are a precious resource to bees and butterfly lovers. It's easily identified by its pretty, shiny leaves shaped like a lyre.  How should lyreleaf sage be planted and cared for?You can cultivate Plant Lyreleaf Sage in the spring after the last frost has passed, and ensure you space the plants 12 to 18 inches apart. It is essential to water young plants frequently in order to help them start root development. Dead flowers should be deadheaded to make way for newer ones and prune the plant during early spring.  How can lyreleaf sage be propagated This plant can be propagated by dividing existing plants or by using stem cuttings. Just obtain a cutting with some nodes and put it in the soil to produce roots.  What are some creative ways to incorporate lyreleaf sage in landscaping Grow lyreleaf sage at the edges of borders, as a groundcover, or in a rocky garden to add color and texture. This shrub has a low growing habit coupled with beautiful flowers, making it very suitable for different landscaping models.  What is the Lifespan of a lyreleaf sage plant This perennial plant lives for around two to three years. However, Lyreleaf sage is able to self-seed, thus allowing them to emerge each year.
$8.99
$8.99
Mayapple - TN Nursery

Mayapple

Mayapple is a woodland perennial plant with distinctive, umbrella-like leaves and a single nodding white flower beneath its foliage. When pollinated, it produces small, edible fruit commonly found in shady forest environments. It is a fascinating native plant in North America with various landscaping benefits. Its unique appearance and adaptability can contribute to outdoor spaces' aesthetic and ecological aspects. Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) Has Stunning Drooping Blooms Mayapples yield drooping blooms ranging from white to rose throughout spring. Their leaves are broad and umbrella-shaped, with only one blossom per leaf axil. The flowers grow up to three inches wide. Each flower boasts white filaments, anywhere from six to nine waxy petals, double the number of stamens, six green petals, and yellow anthers. Because they are transient spring plants, they are only in bloom temporarily. Upon opening, the flower releases its petals. These plants can rise to a foot and a half tall. They produce a golden-colored fruit in late May. The fruit ripens in August. Provide a Haven for Pollinators With Mayapple It is easy to spot for pollinators because of its large, prominent blossoms. Its display of six to nine perfectly arranged petals adds to its attractiveness. This, combined with their abundance of pollen, makes them a haven for pollinators like bees and beetles. Their early spring blooming schedule coincides nicely with the pollinating needs of many early-emerging pollinators. Make Your Yard Healthier With Mayapple As a perennial, they improve the yard's health and biodiversity yearly. These plants have a natural look that adds shade and moisture to your yard or garden. Their roots can draw water up from deeper soil levels, which helps keep the topsoil from drying out too much. Their leaves unfold and swell when the weather gets warmer, transforming into pleated spirals adorned with delicate hair around their edges. These leaves transform into intricately lobed structures resembling umbrellas, functioning as efficient machines for photosynthesis.  Mayapples Are Native Perennials With Umbrella-Like Leaves Mayapple grows fast and in dense clusters, helping them outcompete many weed species by limiting their access to sunlight, water, and nutrients. Their extensively spreading roots add to their ability to restrict weed growth, and their allelopathic effects inhibit weed germination by acting as a natural herbicide. Once their leaves fall off, they decay and release vital nutrients into the soil, making it healthier and hindering weed growth. What does a Mayapple look like  The Mayapple plant has large, umbrella-shaped leaves which attain up to 12 inches in diameter. During spring, it bears small white flowers located beneath the foliage.  Where does the Mayapple grow best?  Mayapples prefer growing in shaded or partially shaded areas of the garden. They grow well in soil with good drainage and organic matter. It is suited for woodland gardens where it can spread and eventually provide a thick, green ground cover.  Is the Mayapple low-maintenance  Mayapples require very little care once they are established. They need very little maintenance - water once or twice a week when the climate is hot and dry - so they are perfect for novice gardeners.  How does the Mayapple spread  Mayapples spread through rhizomes and can create large colonies over some time. With this kind of propagation, they are ideal for erosion control and filling up a large area.  Can Mayapples be grown in pots  Although they are normally grown in gardens, mayapples can be grown in large containers. Make sure your pot has proper drainage and is placed in a shaded area. Do not forget to provide the plant with soil rich in organic matter to replicate the natural habitat.
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