Raised beds are a practical invention: Here, the vegetables thrive particularly well due to the warmth and richness of nutrients, and gardening is also easy because the height is easy on the back. However, a raised bed needs a lot of water and is therefore dependent on good irrigation.

The raised bed needs more water than a "normal bed"

How much water does a raised bed actually need?

In general, plants in a raised bed need more water than in an open field. This is mainly due to the fact that they cannot take care of themselves through their roots in the ground, as this is simply too deep. The constant process of composting also consumes a large part of the water. On the other hand, compost has a high water storage capacity; You can also keep the moisture in the bed by mulching it. The actual water requirement depends on various factors and can therefore not be specified precisely: the position of the sun, weather, rainfall intensity and frequency, location and planting have a major influence. Some plants are significantly thirstier than others. Pay particular attention to these points when watering the raised bed:

  • Use preferably soft and warmed rainwater.
  • Water as early as possible in the morning.
  • Water regularly and deeply.
  • Do not water in small doses (and therefore more often!)!
  • Then too little moisture reaches the roots.
  • It is better to water less frequently, but more vigorously.
  • Avoid waterlogging.

Needs-based, but exhausting: watering with a watering can

The easiest way to water a raised bed is to water it in the classic way with a watering can. You draw the water for this from a rain barrel, which you have secured with a lid - from playing children and curious pets, but also from breeding mosquitoes. If possible, do not use a shower attachment, as vegetable plants in particular should not be watered from above. Watering should always be done from below and evenly so that all roots of a plant receive enough water. On the other hand, if water is poured from above, only little moisture reaches the roots - and constantly wet leaves also increase the risk of fungal infection.

Better not: spray irrigation

A sprinkler irrigation system is quick to build: all you need is a few pipes into which you lay perforated garden hoses and connect them to a water source. However, although this form of irrigation is practical, it is completely unsuitable for a raised bed. Not only do the roots receive less water than they need, but the leaves remain constantly wet and can be attacked by powdery mildew or another fungal disease. The same reasons that speak against watering from above when watering by hand also prohibit spray irrigation. This in turn is better suited for watering the lawn.

Appropriate forms of automatic irrigation

Instead, even with a raised bed, you rely on drip irrigation, which you can lay with the help of hoses and, if necessary, irrigation cones and connect to both a water tap and a rain barrel. However, the water pressure should be high for both variants, so that a pump, for example, is useful here.

tips

Automatic watering is also an advantage if you want to go away for a few days. With the right system, the supply of the plants is still guaranteed.

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Care tips