The terraces are cultivation structures that they organize the garden, improve the soil health and facilitate daily management. They allow cultivation even in poor soils because you control the substrate, irrigation and fertilization within each grow bed, reducing labor and increasing productivity.
What is a terrace?
According to modern horticultural usage, a raised bed is a delimited growing bed which can be raised above ground level or excavated deep to optimize drainage, aeration and management. Historically it is related to agricultural terraces in regions such as the Mediterranean basin and mountain areas, and there are references to early developments in Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica and the Andes, where tiered systems were perfected to conserve water and soil.
Advantages of having garden beds
• Less compaction: By defining corridors, you never step on the growing area and the roots find a loose and aerated soil.
• Better drainage and microclimate: Raised beds warm up sooner and prevent puddles, advancing sowing and harvesting in cold climates.
• Weed and pest control: by being delimited and elevated, the pressure from weeds and it is easier to stop snails or slugs.
• Ergonomics: working at higher altitudes decreases the back tension and makes work more comfortable.
• Irrigation and fertilization efficiency: Water and nutrients are concentrated where the plants are, with less waste and higher performance.
• Adaptability: they allow cultivation in poor soils or on slopes adjusting the substrate and containment.
• Rotation and aesthetics: facilitate the rotation planning and offer a larger garden neat and attractive.
Types of terraces
Raised beds
They are built on the existing soil and filled with selected substrates. They usually have between 20 and 40 cm high and a practical width of 80 to 125 cm to work without stepping on it. On sloping terrain, a solid edge (wood, stone, metal) is advisable. avoid land loss.
Deep terraces
It involves working the soil until 40–60 cm deep, creating beds with corridors of 40–50 cmBy improving the deep structure, root crops and large-sized crops develop strong root systems and can significantly increase performance compared to traditional methods.
Lasagna bed (no tillage)
Layers of are stacked cardboard, straw, green waste and compost that decompose without tilling, enriching the soil and retaining moistureIt is quick to assemble and very useful on degraded soils.
hugekultur
Variant in which the background is placed trunks and branchesThey act like a sponge, releasing water and nutrients as they decompose. Ideal in dry areas and to take advantage of local materials.
Terraced beds
On slopes they form horizontal platforms to slow erosion and improve access. They require retaining walls (stone, wood, or block) to stability and security.
Key or mandala terraces
Circular design with radial paths for maximize access without stepping on it. Widely used in permaculture to create efficient circuits of work and irrigation.
Warm beds and mobile beds
Hot beds are based on fresh organic matter which generates heat when it decomposes, extending the growing cycle. Mobile beds in boxes with wheels allow move the crop depending on the sun and climate, perfect on terraces.
How to Make a Raised Bed (Quick and Versatile)
1) Delimitation: a rectangle 100–120 cm wide by the desired length is manageable; the typical height is 20–30 cm.
2) Structure: Use untreated wood, stone, blocks, galvanized steel or ceramic brick for greater thermal inertia.
3) Filling: mix topsoil with compost and humus; incorporate some sand into heavy soils to improve drainage.
4) Irrigation: install drip or exudate hose for uniform distribution.
5) mulching: cover with straw/leaves to save water and stop weeds.
How to make a deep bed (maximum aeration)
1) Mark the area with stakes and rope; do not exceed 1–1,5 m wide.
2) Provides organic (mature compost/manure) and dig a perimeter ditch of ~40 cm to contain the form.
3) The earth smolds removing stones; mix with the organic and cover with straw or leaves.
4) Fill the trench with branches and stones for drainage and stability.
5) Level and water to settle without compacting.
Recommended materials for the perimeter
• Wood (untreated): easy to work with and good insulator.
• stone or brick: very durable; they provide thermal inertia.
• Galvanised steel: quick assembly and high resistance.
• concrete blocks: robust; their holes can house aromatic plants.
• Recycled plastic: lightweight and weather-stable.
• Bales of straw: temporary option, biodegradable and economic.
How to fill a bed (mixing and finishing)
• Contributes quality organic matter (compost, mature manure, humus) and mix it with the base soil to improve structure and fertility.
• Add a final layer of substrate for gardening and level with a rake.
• Water to eliminate airbags and apply mulch to retain moisture.
• If you use the lasagna method, alternate brown and green layers until reaching the desired height.
Driving tips for better performance
• Employs vegetable covers (clover, vetch) between cycles to fix nitrogen.
• Practice crop rotation by families to prevent pests.
• Use irrigation by dripping or oozing and schedule short, frequent sessions.
• Keep hallways clear mulch or geotextile to reduce weeds and mud.
Where to buy raised beds (popular options)
• TecTake: folding frames for easy storage, adjustable height and typical dimensions of 120x80x19 cm; practical for quick assembly.
• Juwel: elements of recyclable plastic Thermally insulated, BPA and heavy metal free; can be expand in height and length.
• VidaXL: terraces of impregnated pine wood rot-resistant; options with internal divisions for grow by sections.
Those looking for a family garden find a solution in raised beds. efficient, comfortable and aestheticWith a good choice of type, materials and management of water and fertility, these growing beds allow grow more and better in almost any space.
