A question for raised beds gardeners

Discussion in 'Gardening & Plant Propagation' started by Brian N.E Ohio, Mar 30, 2004.

  1. Mar 30, 2004 #1
    Brian N.E Ohio

    Brian N.E Ohio Well-Known Member

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    I want to add a few raised beds to my garden this year and I am curious as to what direction they should be layed out. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west so should the beds be layed out north-south or east-west? I am picturing a series of beds spaced about 4 feet apart facing north-south. I think the beds will warm faster in the spring and the plants would catch more sun if they were facing N-S with the sun traveling across the width of the beds. Just curious how you arranged your beds and if you would do anything different.
     
    Brian N.E Ohio, Mar 30, 2004
    Brian N.E Ohio, Mar 30, 2004
  3. Mar 31, 2004 #2
    gobug

    gobug Well-Known Member Supporter

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    I have boxes running east west and boxes running north south. The box closest to the house gets shadowed first and is the only one I have noticed a difference in plant growth. It doesn't warm up in the spring as early as the others. I have trees on the west (left) and north (top) and a 6 foot fence on the east (right).

    If you want to see a picture, look at DSC000354

    http://community.webshots.com/album/106613371HRSAuW
     
    gobug, Mar 31, 2004
    gobug, Mar 31, 2004

  5. Mar 31, 2004 #3
    Brian N.E Ohio

    Brian N.E Ohio Well-Known Member

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    Great pics gobug, I love the cattle panel trellis.
     
    Brian N.E Ohio, Mar 31, 2004
    Brian N.E Ohio, Mar 31, 2004
  6. Mar 31, 2004 #4
    spring77

    spring77 Well-Known Member

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    Beds running north-south get more sun on average all other factors being equal. East-west beds shade each other for the entire day while in N-S it is all averaged out. Of course this is with all other things being equal. You can still grow good crops on East West beds.
     
    spring77, Mar 31, 2004
    spring77, Mar 31, 2004
  7. Mar 31, 2004 #5
    gobug

    gobug Well-Known Member Supporter

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    Thanks Brian, cattle fence is awesome. I have made several devices of these panels and plan to take a few pictures soon to show them.

    Since the plants all start out small, I think the shading effect is minimal until the plants are large - like 3 feet or so. If it were such a big deal, wouldn't we see some kind of effect from plants in the wild?
     
    gobug, Mar 31, 2004
    gobug, Mar 31, 2004