Enhanced Garden Space Guarded by Raised Window Barrier
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In the world of urban gardening, a unique innovation has emerged: the raised window-protected garden. This ingenious creation combines the benefits of raised garden beds with a protective cover, offering an accessible, pest-resistant, and climate-controlled growing space that extends the growing season.
Building a raised window-protected garden starts with constructing a raised bed, typically made of durable materials such as cedar, metal, or recycled storm windows, spruce boards, chain link fence, and protected from rotting with an Eco wood treatment [1]. The bed's dimensions vary, but a depth of 17-24 inches is common to allow for good root growth [2].
The next step is to add a protective cover or "window" structure. This can be a greenhouse-like cover or a mesh screen made from materials like clear greenhouse panels or birdnetting/mesh that keeps pests like rabbits, deer, and insects at bay. The cover not only protects plants from harsh weather conditions but also extends the growing season by shielding them from frost or excessive heat [1][3].
Once the protective cover is in place, it's time to fill the bed with quality soil mixed with compost. To prevent pests like moles and ensure good drainage, a layer of landscape fabric and hardware cloth at the bottom are added [2].
Optional features for advanced garden cover systems include powder-coated steel frames, zippers, velcro, and easy-to-install brackets for added durability and convenience [3].
The entrance door for the raised bed is often made from a storm window, enclosing a microclimate within the raised bed. In a cold climate, a raised bed warms up sooner, and the soil is usually a bit warmer.
The raised window-protected garden invites readers to share their experiences and pictures on Facebook or Instagram. It also offers a wealth of information on topics such as soil for seedlings, no-till gardening, winter compost solutions, preparing the garden for winter in a cold climate, challenges with the Back to Eden Gardening Method, and more [4].
To keep an air gap between the soil and the lumber, chain link fence wire and landscape fabric are used, creating an effect similar to a grow bag. The size of the bed is typically 9'3′′ (2.82 m) long, 6'5′′ (ca. 2 m) wide, and 17′′ high, with a sidewall height of at least 14′′ to 16′′ tall for 12′′ of soil in the bed [2].
For those in windy locations or looking to protect their garden from predators, a raised window-protected garden is an ideal solution. In addition, a frost blanket can be added for extra protection in cold climates.
To learn more about the impressive results of a raised window-protected garden and to explore the benefits of raised garden beds and container gardening, visit our website. Don't forget to subscribe to our updates and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for the latest news and tips.
[1] Raised Window Protected Garden: A DIY Guide
[2] Raised Garden Beds: A Comprehensive Guide
[3] The Pros and Cons of Using Landscape Fabric in a Garden
[4] Gardening Tips and Tricks: Latest Updates
- In a cold climate, a raised window-protected garden can be an ideal solution for those seeking to extend their growing season, as the protective cover shields plants from frost or excessive heat.
- To create a raised window-protected garden, first construct a raised bed using durable materials like cedar, metal, or recycled storm windows, spruce boards, chain link fence, and Eco wood treatment to prevent rotting.
- The soil in the raised bed should be filled with a mix of quality soil and compost, with a layer of landscape fabric and hardware cloth at the bottom to prevent pests like moles and ensure good drainage.
- Advanced garden cover systems can include powder-coated steel frames, zippers, velcro, and easy-to-install brackets for added durability and convenience.
- For those in windy locations or looking to protect their garden from predators, a raised window-protected garden, coupled with a frost blanket for extra protection in cold climates, may be the perfect choice for a productive home-and-garden lifestyle.
