A family is planning to build a raised planting area using a blend of peat moss, mulch, and a rich organic soil in which to grow the plants. they have been told first to place on the ground a layer of material that will allow for a proper drainage each time the plants are watered. Which of the following materials would be best to use for the first layer?
'The Recipe' for filling a raised bed these proportions are recommended: 60% topsoil, 30% compost and 10% soilless growing mix or potting soil. If you do not have access to quality topsoil, an acceptable substitute would be a 50-50 blend of soilless growing medium and compost. If you want to add peat moss to the bed, it should not be more than 20% of the total mix. Peat moss is naturally acidic and is not a good medium for growing vegetables.
So to answer the question, it would depend on what they are going to grow in the garden. Peat moss is good to use first, but not over 20% of the blend.
To determine the best material for the first layer in the raised planting area, we need to consider the main requirement: good drainage. The purpose of this layer is to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged when the plants are watered.
In this case, the best material to use for the first layer would be gravel or small stones. Gravel allows water to drain freely through its gaps, preventing stagnant water and providing good drainage.
Here's a step-by-step process to build the raised planting area, including the first layer:
1. Start by marking out the desired area for the raised planting bed.
2. Clear any existing vegetation or debris from the area.
3. Level the ground by removing any bumps or depressions. This will ensure even distribution of materials.
4. Once the ground is level, spread a layer of landscape fabric over the entire area. Landscape fabric helps to suppress weed growth and prevents the underlying soil from mixing with the gravel layer.
5. Now, spread a layer of gravel or small stones on top of the landscape fabric. Aim for a thickness of about 2-3 inches. Smooth or level the gravel using a rake or garden tool.
6. After the gravel layer is in place, proceed to add your blend of peat moss, mulch, and rich organic soil on top. The thickness of this layer will depend on your desired raised bed height.
7. Finally, mix the different layers of soil, peat moss, and mulch to ensure a homogeneous blend and begin planting your desired plants.
By following these steps, the gravel layer will effectively promote drainage while allowing excess water to flow away from the roots of the plants, creating a conducive environment for plant growth.