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Our mission at Backyard Eats is to make growing food at home available and simple to all and be a resource for broadening participation in the homegrown food movement for our clients, employees & community.

The summer gardening season is an exciting opportunity to dive into the art of growing your own food. However, with the high temperatures and humidity of summer come challenges associated with watering, pests, and disease. We aim to shed some light on best practices for managing the challenges of the summer vegetable garden.

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Watering Wisdom

Watering your vegetable garden appropriately is essential for success in all seasons. Consistent moisture is key to supporting robust growth and aiding plants in withstanding potential heat stress – especially for young plants. Soil can dry out quickly during summer’s heat, heightening the risk of under-watering and accidental over-watering to compensate. Moreover, high temperatures can induce heat stress in plants, leading to wilting and stunted growth. Signs of under-watering include wilting or curling leaves and dry soil that recedes from the container edges.

Adopt efficient watering techniques, such as drip irrigation, to not only conserve water but also simplify your watering routine, rendering it a more convenient and enjoyable experience. While hand-watering may supplement irrigation during periods of intense heat, be mindful that excess moisture on plant leaves can foster pest and disease proliferation.

Drip irrigation waters plants deeply and consistently near the roots, reducing the work of hand-watering and the risk of fungal diseases caused by wet plant leaves. Drip irrigation systems equipped with timers are particularly useful for raised bed vegetable gardens because they can be programmed to water crops in the morning, when cooler temperatures mean water evaporates less quickly from the soil. Monitor soil moisture levels and adjust watering frequency as necessary to ensure your plants receive the optimal hydration they need to thrive!

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Pest Control Strategies

In summer vegetable gardening, common pests include aphids, mites, and beetles among others. Left unchecked, these pests can stunt growth, distort leaves, and defoliate plants, jeopardizing your garden’s vitality. Implement pest management strategies, such as regular monitoring and organic treatments, to pest populations and maintain a healthy garden ecosystem.

We feel that promoting healthy homegrown food is paramount, so we only suggest use of organic pest control methods as needed. Options like neem oil spray or insecticidal soap are safe and effective for combating pests on edible plants. Companion planting can also confer benefits for pest management and plant health; for example, planting marigolds alongside vegetables can deter nematodes and attract beneficial insects. Additionally, incorporating native annual and perennial plants into the landscape surrounding your raised beds fosters a natural ecosystem that appeals to pollinators.

As with any aspect of garden maintenance, regular interaction with your garden is essential to detecting and treating problems early – and also developing a personal connection to your growing space. By promptly identifying and addressing pest issues, you can mitigate damage and maintain a thriving garden throughout the summer season. If you encounter a plant that appears “off,” numerous online resources are available to aid your learning and growth.

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Pruning & Disease

Pruning plays a vital role in preventing fungal disease especially in plants like cucumbers, squash and tomatoes. Dense foliage can create a canopy that traps heat and moisture, providing a home for fungus and moisture loving pests. Strategic pruning thins excess foliage, allowing even sunlight penetration and improved air circulation. This will reduce your risk of pests & disease, and make it easier to see when your produce is ready to harvest!

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Harvesting Best Practices

Regular interaction with your garden will help you learn the optimal timing for harvesting various crops, ensuring you enjoy homegrown produce at peak freshness. Proper harvesting practices are also a great way to mitigate pest and disease pressure. Fallen or rotting fruits and vegetables are ideal homes for fungal disease and pest reproduction as well as a source of “weeds”. If 100 cherry tomatoes fall in your garden, and volunteer next year, you may be fighting them more than traditional “weeds.” Fallen or rotting fruits should be disposed of in compost, trash or fed to hungry animals.

As you navigate the joys and challenges of summer gardening in your raised bed, remember that every action contributes to a rewarding experience. From the satisfaction of harvesting fresh produce to the simple pleasure of nurturing healthy plants, each aspect of garden maintenance deepens your connection to nature and knowledge as a gardener. By embracing regular garden maintenance practices and their benefits, you can create a flourishing homegrown oasis that brings joy and fulfillment throughout the summer season.

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Do you want a backyard garden that’s productive, rewarding, and easy to take care of? At Backyard Eats, we can help make your dream garden a reality! From designing and installing your dream garden to providing ongoing maintenance and education, we promise to help your edible garden succeed.

Book a consultation or contact us today to learn more:

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In the past 20 years, more and more people have begun choosing raised beds for their home vegetable gardens. According to data from Ruby Home, “50% of the U.S. gardens are 96 square feet or smaller” (Ruby Home). Raised bed gardens are the perfect solution to grow food in small spaces and for many horticultural reasons, some of which we’ve covered here before.

Today, we will take a look at raised beds’ satisfying intersection of form and function. Raised beds are the right choice for homeowners who want their garden to be an extension of their living space – and want it to be just as neat and enjoyable as their home.

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First, raised beds provide a clear separation between garden areas and pathways. Unlike in-ground garden beds, which can be difficult to maintain with landscape edging tools, raised beds create clear boundaries and weed-free pathways thanks to layers of gravel and decorative crushed stone. For homeowners who prefer a clean aesthetic, raised beds also provide ample vertical space to grow food: meaning you can enjoy the produce of your tomato or squash plant without tripping over a wandering vine in your yard.

Second, an easy-to-maintain and well-planned raised bed layout becomes an extension of your home’s living space. I like this quote from Stefani Bitter of the Homestead Gardening Collection, a podcast on intuitive cooking from the garden: “Our gardens are for living in.” For 9 months of the year, a raised bed garden space is a wonderful space for curiosity and entertainment. It becomes a place for neighborhood kids to eat their first garden-fresh veggie, for impromptu science lessons, and to experience the unique kind of genuine surprises offered by the magic of growing your own food.

Finally, raised beds grant you the flexibility to locate your garden in the best place for success. During our garden planning process at Backyard Eats, we consider many factors for siting a garden: including proximity to the kitchen and, of course, sun exposure. We give each garden a numeric score based on sun exposure and a combined score for other factors. When your plants thrive with the right conditions and care, it makes having a garden an easy and rewarding experience.

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We will never build a vegetable garden that is awkward or non-functional: which is why we use raised beds. A custom-built raised bed can be built on a slope, scaled to fit your landscape, and defined with panel fencing for a finished look. Because we fill our raised beds with the ideal organic soil blend rather than relying on existing soil, the growing beds can be placed on any surface or soil without any of the concerns with conventional in-ground gardens. A cedar-framed trellis built into the bed can be placed on the north-most side of the beds to further maximize growing space. To complete the space, a combination of stone pathway materials and metal edging forms a clean, dry path to your patio or kitchen.  

The freedom to place a raised bed garden almost anywhere is a key part of what allows us to install vegetable gardens that are set up for success! The control, customization, and clean aesthetic of raised bed gardens are the perfect solution for anyone who wants their garden to feel like a peaceful extension of their living space.

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Do you want a backyard garden that’s productive, rewarding, and easy to take care of?

At Backyard Eats, we can help make your dream garden a reality! From designing and installing your dream garden to providing ongoing maintenance and education, we promise to help your edible garden succeed.

Book a consultation or contact us today to learn more:

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Once you’ve chosen a site for your edible garden, there are many paths you can take in terms of choosing materials, size, and layout. In this article, we’ll give an overview of the pros and cons of different raised bed garden designs – so you can plan a garden that’s with your needs and preferences in mind.

 

Choosing Materials for Raised Bed Gardens

The material a raised bed is made of is a practical decision as well as an aesthetic one.

Wooden is our first choice for building raised beds. One of the main reasons we use wood is because it is easy to customize and build off of; including structures like fences and trellises. It’s also repairable. Cedar and hemlock contain natural resistance to decay and insects, which will extend the life of your bed. You can treat wooden boards with a food-safe stabilizer to prevent UV damage and water intrusion. This can double the uselife life of your raised beds.

If you prefer natural-looking raised beds without wood, stone is a durable option. This includes rocks, bricks, and concrete. However, stone can be harder to build with. Stone also retains more heat than wood: leading to warmer soil that can heat up the roots of tender young plants, affecting long-term health and growth.

Store bought, metal raised bed kits are a popular option but this metal will warp and rust over time. Most of the time these kits come apart at the screws before the metal decays. Remember, the bed system is only as strong and durable as its weakest link!

 

Choosing the Best Size For Your Garden

The material a raised bed is made of is a practical decision as well as an aesthetic one.

Wooden is our first choice for building raised beds. One of the main reasons we use wood is because it is easy to customize and build off of; including structures like fences and trellises. It’s also repairable. Cedar and hemlock contain natural resistance to decay and insects, which will extend the life of your bed. You can treat wooden boards with a food-safe stabilizer to prevent UV damage and water intrusion. This can double the uselife life of your raised beds.

If you prefer natural-looking raised beds without wood, stone is a durable option. This includes rocks, bricks, and concrete. However, stone can be harder to build with. Stone also retains more heat than wood: leading to warmer soil that can heat up the roots of tender young plants, affecting long-term health and growth.

Store bought, metal raised bed kits are a popular option but this metal will warp and rust over time. Most of the time these kits come apart at the screws before the metal decays. Remember, the bed system is only as strong and durable as its weakest link! 

 

Finding the Best Garden Layout

Fencing plays a crucial role in determining the layout of your garden. Its primary function is to thwart critter intrusion, while also being a key aesthetic consideration.

Understanding the specific animals you’re dealing with is essential. For larger pests like deer and groundhogs, a fence of at least 5-6 feet with a gate is typically a necessity; which creates a walk-in space. In a gated, fenced-in garden, maximum growing space can be achieved by planting around the perimeter with a central pathway, although it is not the only way.

To deter most rabbits, cats & dogs, a 24 to 36″ fence can suffice. The added benefit of only needing a small fence is that you can build fences on beds to be reached over, leaving your bed layout and design flexible versus a walk-in space.

However, for tighter spots like those nestled next to a patio, single-line placement of raised beds fit into the space can also work. Nonetheless, enclosing narrow spaces with critter-proof fencing poses its own set of challenges. Unless your entire yard boasts a fence that is pest proof or you live in a city yard that doesn’t see groundhogs or deer,  pest pressure might still be a concern without a fence.. Achieving a successful no-fence backyard garden is a rare feat, usually reserved for rooftop or city yards with minimal instances of pest pressure.

Designing a great vegetable garden involves thoughtful consideration of materials, size, and layout. By thoughtfully integrating durable materials, manageable layouts, and accessible features, you can cultivate a thriving and enjoyable home garden that yields bountiful harvests season after season!

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An article in the local Philadelphia publication The Spot Magazine reads: “Some of my favorite childhood memories are from holiday visits to [my Uncle Gino]…I’ve tried to replicate that garden magic myself, but let’s just say things didn’t work out as planned…I could almost see the veggies growing in my mind, but they hardly ever did in real life. That’s why I got so excited when I stumbled upon Backyard Eats.”

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In The Spot Magazine, local guide Toni Padula shares the heartwarming story of Backyard Eats, a gardening venture born from cherished childhood memories and a desire to make a positive impact. Toni’s own balcony gardening struggles led her to discover Backyard Eats—a practical solution for urbanites yearning to cultivate their own fresh produce.

Meet Chris Mattingly, the brains behind Backyard Eats. From his journey as a laid-off engineer to the founder of a flourishing gardening business, Chris’s story is one of resilience and passion. Inspired by his experiences, including volunteer work abroad, Chris embarked on a mission to bring the joy of homegrown food to communities.

The roots of Backyard Eats lie in a simple moment of joy in Chris’s garden, where tasting fresh berries sparked an idea. This led to the birth of Backyard Eats, with a mission to empower individuals to grow their own food and experience the magic of gardening firsthand.

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Backyard Eats founder Chris Mattingly

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Chris’ home garden in Chestnut Hill sparked the concept behind Backyard Eats

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“Chris then told me about this one morning he spent in his tiny Chestnut Hill front-yard garden…It was that moment of simple pleasure in his garden that led to his light bulb idea: if he loved this so much, why not help others feel the same?”

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Today, Backyard Eats remains committed to its founding principles, offering a range of services to support gardeners of all levels. From initial consultation to ongoing maintenance, Chris and his team provide personalized guidance to help clients turn their gardening dreams into reality.

Nestled in Flourtown, PA, Backyard Eats serves as a source of inspiration for garden enthusiasts seeking to reconnect with nature and nourish their bodies and souls. Through its dedication to sharing the magic of homegrown food, Backyard Eats continues to empower individuals to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the food they eat and the natural world around them.

As Toni writes, “Chris likes to say it’s about ‘sharing the magic’—and it really feels like that.”

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You can read the full text of the original article in The Spot Magazine here.

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An article in the April 16 edition of the Bucks County Magazine reads: “Experienced gardeners have long known the joy and benefits that come from harvesting their own produce but that takes research and experimentation…Enter Backyard Eats. They’re in the business of eliminating all the guesswork and physical demands that come with managing a healthy, high-yield garden.”

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The “farm-to-table” movement is all about swiftly bringing fresh produce from local farms to your table, enhancing both taste and health. At Backyard Eats, led by Mike Bennett, their aim is to make gardening easy for everyone. Founded by Chris Mattingly, who transitioned from designing landfills to cultivating gardens, they’re dedicated to making homegrown food accessible.

Beyond garden design, Backyard Eats serves as an educational hub, teaching sustainable gardening practices. They customize gardens to fit your preferences and seamlessly blend into your landscape.

On the importance of homegrown food in modern life, author Chrysa Smith observes:

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“Personal health and a connection to clean food is not just important for an individual or family, but the community and community health—and it all starts with a seed.”

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Moreover, Backyard Eats is involved in community projects, setting up gardens in neighborhoods and schools to teach kids about food production. The Ambler Community Garden, led by Backyard Eats, is a collaborative endeavor supported by a county grant. Spanning 40 x 60 feet in Knights Park, it serves as an educational resource and fresh produce source. Through volunteer efforts and Backyard Eats’ guidance, surplus harvests are donated.

Through these efforts, Backyard Eats is not only growing gardens but also cultivating a deeper understanding of food production and its impact on our lives.

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You can read the full text of the original article in Bucks County magazine here.

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Crafting your dream garden starts with choosing the perfect location. The right location can make all the difference in achieving an abundant harvest and delightful gardening experience. Let’s explore five essential factors to consider when finding the ideal spot for your raised bed vegetable garden.

 

Step 1: Conducting a Garden Site Survey

Finding the right location for a garden space can feel overwhelming and confusing. Before you start gathering supplies and building, don’t forget to conduct a site survey of your home, school, or community space. Surveying your property will reveal its unique characteristics and potential for growth.

There are five factors we consider necessary when designing a garden: sun exposure, water, location, visibility, and accessibility. Begin by assuming that everywhere on your property could grow something. Then, eliminate sections of your property based on your assessment of those five factors.

Some factors, like sunlight, are crucial for plant health, while others, like visibility, depend on personal preference. Understanding the significance of each factor will empower you to make informed decisions that align with your gardening goals.

 

Step 2: Harnessing the Power of Sunlight and Shade

Sun is the driving force of energy behind all plant production. It is the most essential element for a successful gardening experience. You can bring water to a garden, add a pathway, or even build a garden on a slope. Except for maybe chopping down a tree, you cannot typically create more sun.

If possible, build your garden in an area that gets 6+ hours of full sun in summer. This will provide the greatest success and open a wide world of growing possibilities – especially for crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash. If your landscape has 4-6 hours of sun, you will probably experience mixed or limited success with bigger fruiting plants and should stick to greens, herbs and smaller fruiting plants like cherry tomatoes. In heavily shaded gardens, we recommend planting herbs and greens only. You will be happier with a few plants that do well, instead of a varied garden full of struggling plants.

When considering sunlight, monitor your garden area from multiple angles and times of day. Large trees provide obvious shade, but so will younger trees as they continue to grow. The same site that gets 10 hours of sun in the summer may get none in spring as the sun falls lower in the sky, maybe behind a house. By choosing sunny spots wisely, you set the stage to enjoy bountiful and diverse harvests in spring, summer, and fall.

 

Step 3: Navigating Groundwater Dynamics

Water is essential for sustaining life, but its presence in the wrong places can pose challenges for your garden. Take proactive steps to avoid running and standing water when choosing a location for your garden, as they can impact soil saturation and plant health.

Running water is water that flows along the ground, often during a storm. Running water has the power to wash away soil, mulch, pathways, or other features. It can also over-saturate raised beds. Standing water is any area of pooling or stagnant water that collects after rain or nearby sources of water. Standing water can “wick up” growing beds like a sponge and saturate the growing space. This will cause inconsistent and unpredictable moisture in parts of the garden, limiting the ability of seeds to germinate and thrive.

The best time to observe how water behaves on your property is during a heavy storm. Keep an eye out for gullies that carry stormwater during a rain, low points with puddles or dead grass, and runoff from hardscaping and walkways. By anticipating and mitigating potential water-related issues, you create an environment where your garden can flourish stress-free.

 

Step 4: Balancing Practicality and Aesthetics

Imagine gazing out your window and being greeted by a picturesque garden oasis. Choose a visible location to enhance your property’s aesthetic appeal and encourage regular interaction with your garden. Ideally, your garden will become naturally integrated into your daily life.  “Out of sight, out of mind” is a real phenomenon. People are less likely to interact with their garden if it’s not readily visible. Whether you’re harvesting fresh produce for meals or simply admiring nature’s beauty, don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy magic of homegrown food

Ask yourself these questions to understand how you will interact with your garden: How often do I visit this space in my yard? What rooms in my house face the garden? Which door do I use to enter the house?

Placing your garden near frequently used entrances, such as the kitchen or back door, can also streamline tasks like harvesting and watering. This strategic positioning makes gardening a seamless part of your daily routine!

 

Step 5: Prioritizing Accessibility and Convenience

Accessibility is key to unlocking your garden’s full potential. A garden that’s easily reached and visible from your home invites frequent visits and effortless maintenance. Building on flat ground, in an accessible and visible area, generally provides the best experience.

Stairs and uneven terrain all pose safety concerns during construction and will continue to make daily maintenance complicated and frustrating. For example, a garden built into a slope might require installing a ramp or steps to access the garden easily and safely and make it hard to maintain.

To ensure that everyone can enjoy your garden easily, keep pathways clear and terrain manageable in dry and wet weather. Examples of rough terrain include mud and rocks. Ideally you should be able to visit your garden in bare feet. While you can install pathways to and from your garden, building a garden shouldn’t disrupt your landscape, and visiting your garden shouldn’t feel treacherous.

In conclusion, planning a raised bed vegetable garden is a journey tailored to your unique landscape. By considering factors like sunlight, water, location, visibility, and accessibility, you pave the way for a flourishing garden teeming with life and vitality. So roll up your sleeves and take the next step towards a successful garden!

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As the days lengthen into spring, there’s no better time than now to embark on your gardening journey. If you want to enjoy bountiful harvests in the months to come, the key lies in careful garden planning. Don’t miss this special opportunity to soak up knowledge, anticipate challenges, and optimize results before spring planting season starts.

In this article, we’ll explain why you should plan your garden now to lay the groundwork for a successful spring and summer growing season. We want you to feel empowered to make informed decisions about your garden. Empty raised beds in spring can often feel like a black page: exciting, but also a little intimidating. Many people know what vegetables they enjoy eating, but don’t necessarily know which crops thrive in our climate in different seasons.

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Review Basic Growing Conditions

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by options, it may help to review the basic growing conditions of your garden to understand any limitations. Does your garden area receive less than 6 hours of full sun during summer? Then herbs and greens (like lettuce or dill) will perform best in your raised beds. Do you have an irrigation setup or another way of providing consistent water? If not, then seeded crops won’t be as reliable due to spotty germination.

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What to Plant in Spring Gardens

If you want to start growing as soon as possible, consider planting a variety of frost tolerant, “quick spring” crops like lettuces, radishes or cilantro. In the Philadelphia region, most frost tolerant crops can be planted at the end of March. Quick growing spring crops will be ready to harvest throughout March and April, and can typically be removed to make way for summer plantings around mid-May. 

Transplanting plant starts where applicable, rather than direct seeding, can provide a head start to growth and harvest. Local nurseries typically carry spring starts and can help you learn what grows well in your area, so you can confidently choose crops that fit your garden and lifestyle. We find that greens are a popular spring crop because they come in many varieties and can be incorporated into a variety of cuisines.

Other spring crops mature slower, and stay in the garden past summer planting. Some of these crops provide the satisfaction of planting once and harvesting multiple times – like snap peas – and some are just slower to mature like onions or carrots. Take this into account when planning your summer garden. Finally, summer crops like ever-popular tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers can be planted as appropriate.

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How to Plan Summer Succession Planting

If planning a multi-season garden all at once sounds like too much time and effort, don’t worry! You can use a method called succession planting to gradually introduce summer crops into empty spaces in your garden, while allowing late spring plants to mature.

Succession planting is not only a space-saving technique but also a strategic way to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. When planning your succession planting, consider the maturity dates of different vegetable varieties. As spring crops mature and are harvested, replant the vacant spaces with warm-season vegetables. Knowing the expected harvest times and the space requirements of each plant will maximize your garden’s productivity. For this reason, planning your spring and summer garden layout simultaneously will reduce decision fatigue later in the season. You’ll be surprised how much you can grow!

One of the primary benefits of succession planting is that it maximizes the use of available space in your garden. By efficiently filling in gaps left by harvested crops with new plantings, you can ensure that your garden remains productive throughout the season. Additionally, succession planting helps to extend the harvest window for certain crops, providing you with a longer period to enjoy fresh produce from your garden. 

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Plan for Garden Success with Vertical Trellises

Other ways to create functional space is by using vertical growing. Vertical trellises can include metal tomato cages, bamboo trellises, gate arbors and any other structural element that can support the weight of heavy plants. You can use these structures to train vining plants like cucumbers or squash to grow upwards instead of outwards: leaving more square footage for other delicious crops. Try to place taller plants and structural elements on the north side of the garden, opposite the sun so as to not create shade over other plants. In addition to saving space, vertical growing can help improve plant health with improved air circulation.

With a little planning, you can easily turn your vegetable garden into a flourishing and bountiful oasis! Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, planning your raised bed garden should be adaptable and fun. Although certain guidelines will help your garden thrive, don’t be afraid to try a crop you’ve never grown before: or to ask a local gardening expert for advice. Don’t wait to start planning your edible garden today.

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Next Steps to Garden Success

Don’t spend another year feeling frustrated or intimidated by your garden. Start your homegrown food success story today! Book an Initial Consultation to chat with one of our expert garden designers about your personal garden goals.

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An Expert Guide to Garden Success

At Backyard Eats, we believe that anyone can grow food with a little guidance. Maybe you dream of having a garden like your grandparents, but don’t know where to start. Or you have some gardening knowledge, but feel intimidated by the thought of building a garden completely from scratch. That’s why we’re here to help.

The first step in any client’s journey with Backyard Eats is an Initial Consultation. This consultation is an opportunity to receive expert advice and make collaborative decisions.

We like to start with a list of simple questions, like “What pests have you seen in this area?” or, “How often do you use this space?”

Based on our conversation, you will receive a garden design that’s perfect for you. Do the neighborhood deer love to visit your yard? We can recommend fencing solutions. Want to reserve part of your yard for family gatherings? We can find the sunniest spot that’s agreeable for you.

Here’s what else our Initial Consultation and how it fosters a learning environment for garden enthusiasts:

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Full Site Assessment of Growing Conditions

Every backyard garden is unique. Therefore, it’s important that your unique growing conditions and motivations are reflected in your garden design. Our on-site surveys allow you to connect with our expert Garden Designer in-person and get immediate answers to your questions, like “What’s the best place in my backyard to put a vegetable garden?”

You will leave the Initial Consultation with objective guides to success, like a Sun Score based on the amount of sunlight your space receives. This will help you choose solutions, like shade-tolerant plants or drip irrigation, that will set your garden up for ongoing success instead of yearly frustration!

During the Initial Consultation, we will also discuss other site-specific factors that are important to the location of your garden like convenience, water drainage, and aesthetics. Our Garden Designer will also take the time to learn about what your hopes are for your new garden, so we get it right the first time.

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Custom Garden Design Plan

After the site survey, our expert Garden Designer will create a custom garden design based on the information from your Initial Consultation. We recommend raised bed gardens for annual crops. After working in hundreds of gardens, we have several tried-and-true solutions to limit endless decisions.

However, beyond the basic layout of the garden there’s room for personalization with features like fencing, irrigation, trellises, and pathways. For example, you can choose to add a perennial planting area around your wooden raised beds to blend your new gardening oasis seamlessly into your existing landscape.

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3-D Rendering Review

If you’re interested in building an edible garden, but have trouble picturing a blueprint in your space, we are here to help! Our signature 3-D garden renderings will walk you through the proposed garden layout step-by-step, allowing you to easily visualize the beautiful end result.

During a 1:1 live call with our garden designer, you will review the rendering to confirm your garden layout and options, ask questions, and request changes. This is the perfect chance to personalize the design to your needs and preferences.

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Proposal for Completed Work

Along with your garden design you will also receive photos, product descriptions, and pricing to help you make an easy and informed decision about your project. You are welcome to ask questions and provide feedback so we can refine the design to align with your goals.

Our garden proposal document is also a convenient starting point to discuss building plans with your spouse or other gardening partners. This applies to new garden designs, renovations for existing spaces, and proposals for garden additions.

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Trusted Guidance on Planting Strategy

Once your garden design is approved and built, you can still receive guidance from Backyard Eats. We encourage clients to engage with the garden planning and planting process for a personalized experience. For example, you can use our interactive Order Form to choose from over 70 hand-selected crop varieties. Unique features like an automatic square footage calculator will make choosing your favorite crops easy and fun. You might even discover a new favorite variety!

Curious about perennial fruit trees and berries? We welcome questions about sustainable planting strategies, and often recommend berry trellises as a great starting place to learn more.

We want to empower clients to experience the magic of homegrown food in their garden, instead of overwhelm. That’s why we provide digital resources like our Harvest Toolkit. Our year-long, full-service garden maintenance services also provide support to gardeners of all experience levels.

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Next Steps to Garden Success

Don’t spend another year feeling frustrated or intimidated by your garden. Start your homegrown food success story today! Book an Initial Consultation to chat with one of our expert garden designers about your personal garden goals.

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Backyard Eats’ Wish For You

At Backyard Eats, our clients choose to have a home vegetable garden for many reasons. Some want to give their kids the same magical gardening experience they had as children. Others are on a personal health journey, desire to know where their food comes from, or are searching for a new hobby that helps them connect with nature.

Regardless of your “why”, Backyard Eats’ wish is that you find what you are looking for. We exist as your garden gurus, to help guide you past the typical obstacles and frustrations that stand in the way of experiencing the magic of homegrown food.

In the article, we’ll explore how to conquer several gardening fears this new year in order to provide for yourself, your loved ones, and our world with confidence. If these fears resonate with you, we can guide you towards organic success:

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1. “I have a busy lifestyle; I don’t have enough time to garden!”

Home gardeners come from all walks of life: busy professionals, parents of young kids, and retirees looking for a new hobby, to name a few. But a hectic schedule doesn’t have to prevent you from a consistent gardening habit. Integrating gardening into your daily routine can become a therapeutic escape and source of creative joy amid life’s many demands.

Rather than winding down with screen time at the end of the day, connect with nature by picking a ripe tomato or admiring the winding travels of a green bean vine. Even in busy households, gardening can create dedicated space for quality family time. Create lasting memories this year through the shared experience of homegrown food!

When life gets too busy, though, the thought of maintaining a garden can be irksome and unappetizing. How to deal with these times? For one, you can let your garden go! It will still be there when you come back, provided you check in often enough to catch any massive blooms of weed seeds taking over, for example. Alternatively, you can tap into the bounty of enthusiasm within the homegrown food movement. Community resources abound, and plenty of folks (young and old) are willing to work for the chance to learn how to grow their own food. Finally, we’ve built a holistic system for maintaining and perfecting your home garden to the degree that works for you. So that’s an option, too!

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2. “DIY projects seem so complicated: I don’t know where to start!”

In this age of modern technology, humans can gather information faster than ever. But without a trusted guide, you may still feel anxious about undertaking a complex building project from scratch: What materials to use? Where to put the garden? What about ongoing care?

At Backyard Eats, we empower clients to build confidence in their gardening skills. Our custom garden installation services make starting a garden more accessible for everyone by providing the perfect starting point for clients to demystify the learning process.

Start by choosing your favorite crop varieties for spring and summer. Then, you can experience the joy of learning how to grow fresh produce at home thanks to our convenient step-by-step Harvest Guide tutorials, which are easily available online.

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3. “I’ve tried gardening before and failed. Maybe it just isn’t for me.”

We believe that with the right guidance, anyone can successfully grow food at home. That’s why our process is designed to support you at every stage of the garden process: from the initial design consultation, to selecting crop varieties, building a custom garden, and continuing to learn and grow over time.

Maybe your crops struggle to grow under inadequate sunlight, or deer and squirrels always nibble your prized produce. Our list of over 70 crops is updated every year, so you can fill your garden with delicious and productive crops that will thrive in your space’s unique growing conditions. We also recommend and build custom fencing for most of our raised bed gardens, so you can grow your produce and enjoy it too!

Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from experiencing the satisfaction of homegrown success this year!

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4. “Homegrown food isn’t worth it. Why spend months growing something I can buy at the store for less?”

Building a backyard garden can be a financial investment in materials and plants. But it’s also a priceless lifetime investment in your family’s well-being, health, and social connection. No generic store-bought vegetable can replace the delight of harvesting a ripe tomato off the vine: or the pride as your children harvest a pepper they helped grow!

Growing your own food also allows you to control the growing conditions. At Backyard Eats, our custom growing medium and natural pest control methods ensure that your garden receives optimal nutrients and care without health concerns. With homegrown produce, you experience the reward of providing for yourself and your loved ones plus the benefits of knowing exactly where it came from.

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5. “I wish I could grow my own food, but I have a small urban backyard.”

Whether you have a small urban backyard or a sprawling green landscape, your home garden can reflect your goals. Thankfully, raised bed vegetable gardens make the most of any space with efficient layouts and vertical growing options like fencing and trellises that maximize growing potential. That’s why we recommend raised beds to any edible gardeners!

Functional perennial plants, like fruit trees and berries, can also offer home gardeners more flexibility in terms of their garden layout. Conditions permitting, edible food forests create a more “natural” landscape effect with the same rewards of homegrown produce. Ultimately, you don’t need a rural farm to provide fresh, delicious food for your friends and family. Raised bed vegetables gardens can be adapted to any space, transforming back or front yards into flourishing oases of growth and beauty from spring to fall.

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6. “I travel often and worry that I won’t be able to keep a garden alive.”

We all want the flexibility to travel without killing plants or becoming the neighborhood eyesore. Backyard Eats trained garden maintenance team are your year-round gardening partners! Whether you’re interested in seasonal planting or ongoing maintenance, we can suggest and carry out trusted techniques to ensure the health of your garden. This also makes learning how to garden less intimidating than tackling a project alone.

Thanks to convenient technology like drip irrigation, your garden can even be automatically watered the perfect amount every day for a thriving and successful green space! If you travel often, you can rest assured that your well-maintained garden will add value and personality to your home, making it a restful and rewarding place to return to again and again.

According to Carol from nearby Ambler, “The wonderful garden [Backyard Eats] set up for me was superbly built and smart looking. A timed irrigation system was installed so my focus could be on other tasks than watering the plants and seeds. They offer full maintenance to just support functions, or anything in between…They are a joy to work, responsive to my calls for help and I am learning so much!”

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7. “I want a pest-free garden, but I’m concerned about the impact of pesticides on my family’s health.”

Many people choose to grow their own food in order to take control of their own health. In our raised bed vegetable gardens, holistic health starts with naturally-treated lumber and a custom organic growing medium full of essential soil nutrients.

We do not treat our client’s gardens with any chemicals that are harmful to human health under trained application, and recently partnered with Consumer Notice to educate our audience on the dangers of commercial pesticides like glyphosate. We are proud to lead the homegrown movement towards balance with nature and human health.

With an organic edible garden in your own backyard, you can revel in the satisfaction of providing your family with fresh homegrown goodness. Home gardener Mary Kay from Glenside, who hired Backyard Eats to transform her existing garden into an organic oasis, says it best: “We believe this is a lifetime investment in healthy eating and we are very pleased!”

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8. “There’s so much to learn about gardening; I don’t know where to start!”

Do you want to learn how to garden but don’t know where to start? Are you tired of searching for contractors that only specialize in construction or weeding? Look no further than Backyard Eats’ full-service gardening solutions!

You can overcome your gardening fears and doubts this year with support from Backyard Eats. Our process starts with an initial consultation to discuss your specific growing goals, so you can see if our design, installation, and maintenance services are a good fit for you.

Whether you have a busy lifestyle, small backyard, or no gardening experience at all, we want to help you become a healthy and confident home gardener connected with the magic of homegrown food. Let’s make 2024 a year of learning and growth together!

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Are you ready to start your homegrown food journey and transform your lifestyle?

Book a consultation with one of Backyard Eats’ helpful gardening experts today!

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• Introduction to Raised Bed Gardening
• What Is a Raised Bed Garden?
• The Benefits of Raised Bed Gardens: Why Choose Them?
• Raised Bed Materials: Making the Right Choice For Your Garden
• Raised Bed Placement: Finding The Perfect Location
• Soil and Fertilizer in Raised Beds: Maximizing Growth Potential
• Plant Selection for Raised Bed Gardens: What Thrives in Elevated Planters
• Irrigation and Drainage Solutions for Raised Beds
• Seasonal Maintenance and Care Tips for Raised Beds
• How To Start Building Your Raised Bed Garden

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Introduction to Raised Bed Gardening

The desire for mental and physical wellness and a connection to nature often inspires people to garden, but the prospect of starting your own garden can be overwhelming. With thousands of search results at your fingertips, there’s a lot of information out there: some self-conflicting and not all based on science. Beginner DIY gardeners may find themselves overwhelmed, and unsure of where to begin. 

If you’re looking for an easy and rewarding way to learn how to garden, consider choosing a raised bed garden. This method is perfect for beginner DIY gardeners, and offers numerous benefits that also make it a popular choice among experienced gardeners.  

Backyard Eats has guided over 300 clients to achieving their gardening goals using raised beds and repeatable, time-tested methods. As a full-service food gardening company, we have built an exhaustive process to deliver success the first time, every time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of raised bed gardening, breaking down the essential components you need to know to get started.

First, we’ll explore the many benefits that raised bed gardens provide, from improved soil quality to easier weed control. Next we’ll discuss the various materials you could choose when constructing your raised beds, and why we recommend treated cedar and hemlock boards. We’ll also help you determine the ideal location for your raised bed garden, considering factors like sunlight, drainage, and accessibility.

After reading this article, you will be able to take the first steps towards your own home gardening project! Discover how raised bed gardening can not only transform your outdoor space but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

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What Is a Raised Bed Garden?

A raised bed garden is a gardening method that involves growing plants in elevated containers or planting areas, as opposed to traditional in-ground gardening. Raised beds are created by constructing an enclosure that raises the planting area above ground level. Common building materials include wood, stone, and concrete. 

The primary defining feature of raised bed gardens is their contained and elevated nature, making them distinct from the surrounding soil. This method allows gardeners to have greater control over the quality of the soil, drainage, and other environmental factors, which can lead to improved plant growth and easier maintenance.

Why are Raised Beds Popular for Vegetable Gardening

Raised bed gardens are popular for their versatility and are used for cultivating a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more. They present an ideal method whether you have a small urban backyard or a larger landscape.

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The Benefits of Raised Bed Gardens: Why Choose Them?

Should I build a raised bed garden or in-ground garden?

Raised bed gardens provide many benefits that make growing food a simple and enjoyable experience. Raised beds offer improved soil quality because they can be filled with a custom blend of soil, compost, and other organic materials that supply necessary nutrients to annual crops. In contrast, in-ground gardens may contain soil contaminants that are potentially harmful to consume via plants.

Raised beds’ elevated structure also aids in weed control and reducing interference from ground-dwelling pests like rabbits. Increased bed height also makes tasks like planting, weeding, and harvesting more comfortable than bending or kneeling down.

Overall, a raised bed garden is an accessible and productive way to grow a variety of crops, enhancing both your garden and your overall gardening experience.

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Raised Bed Materials: Making the Right Choice for Your Garden

What should I use to build a raised bed garden?

Selecting the right materials for your raised bed garden is a crucial decision that will greatly influence the longevity, functionality, and aesthetics of your garden. The best materials for a raised bed garden depend on your specific needs and preferences. Commonly used DIY materials for constructing raised beds include wood, stone, concrete blocks, and composite materials.

Wooden raised beds are a popular choice for their natural and rustic appearance. Cedar and redwood are particularly favored due to their natural resistance to decay and insects, which extends the life of the bed.

At Backyard Eats, we build our raised beds using thick cedar or hemlock boards treated with a food-safe wood stabilizer to protect your garden for 10-15 years.

Stone, such as limestone, rocks, or bricks, is another durable option for creating raised beds. Concrete blocks are also practical and versatile. However, both stone and concrete retain more heat than a wooden raised bed: leading to warmer soil and potentially frying the roots of tender young plants. 

Store-bought raised bed kits are often made of thin metal, which may rust and warp over time.

Your choice of material should align with your garden’s aesthetic, your budget, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Regardless of the material, a well-constructed raised bed will provide the advantages of better soil control, drainage, and weed management while enhancing the overall appeal of your garden space.

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Raised Bed Placement: Finding the Perfect Location

Where should I put my raised bed garden?

Choosing the right location for your raised bed garden is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact the success of your gardening project. When determining where to put your raised bed garden, consider several key factors:

Ensure that your raised bed garden is physically and visually accessible. It should be convenient to reach without excessive walking or carrying heavy equipment. Proximity to your home or a water source also aids in the installation of drip irrigation. If your garden is “out of sight, out of mind,” you are less likely to notice problems or crops that are ready for harvest.

Can I build a raised bed garden in the shade?

One of the most critical factors is sunlight. Most vegetables and flowering plants require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Observe your potential garden area throughout the day to identify spots that receive adequate sunlight. South-facing locations often get the most sunlight, making them ideal for most crops. During your Initial Consultation, a Backyard Eats expert will advise you on the best placement for your garden.

Can I build a raised bed garden on a slope? 

Good drainage is essential to prevent pooling water or shifting soil. Avoid low-lying areas that may collect excess water during heavy rainfall. Elevated sites will promote proper drainage, ensuring your plants’ roots remain healthy, but still require a stable base.

What size should my raised bed garden be?

The size of your garden also matters. Make sure the selected space can accommodate the dimensions of your raised bed(s) and any necessary walkways or pathways. We recommend a minimum pathway width of three feet for accessibility.

By carefully considering these factors, you can find the perfect location for your raised bed garden that maximizes sunlight, accessibility, and overall garden health! Remember that thoughtful placement will lead to a more successful and enjoyable gardening experience.

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Soil and Fertilizer in Raised Beds: Maximizing Growth Potential

What type of soil is best for raised bed gardens?

The type of soil you use in your raised bed garden is of vital importance for the health and productivity of your plants. Organic materials play a vital role in creating nutrient-rich, well-draining soil for your raised beds. Annual vegetables in particular require looser soil and yearly nutrient replacement. Here are some key considerations for selecting the best soil for your raised bed garden:

Can I Put Leaves in My Raised Beds?

Begin with a base of rich organic matter, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold. Organic matter enhances soil structure, increases water retention, and provides essential nutrients for plant growth. Compost is a versatile choice, as it helps balance soil pH and improve overall fertility.  

What type of compost is best for raised beds?

Compost is a very broad term. Some people refer to broken-down organic matter as “mulch.”  Whatever you choose to call it, make sure that the compost you purchase has been fully composted by a professional, as inadequately processed organic matter will contain pathogens, a plethora of weed seeds, and can actually rob nitrogen from the soil as it decomposes.  Municipal (or Township) leaf compost is a great option for this reason.  Not only is it affordable or free to residents, it is actively processed by a professional composter, and detailed records are maintained on the temperature and moisture content of the compost piles to ensure adequate processing.

At Backyard Eats, we use a custom growing medium that’s a blend of potting soil, coconut coir, and mushroom compost to achieve the optimal balance of nutrients and drainage.

How to Make Soil for a Raised Bed

You can create a DIY balanced soil mix by combining organic matter with garden soil. A common formula is a 1:1 ratio of garden soil and organic matter. Garden soil provides minerals, while organic matter improves texture and fertility. Annual plants have tender roots which especially benefit from a “fluffier” soil texture, unlike compact ground soil.

What Soil Amendments Should I Use For My Garden?

• Peat Moss: Peat moss can improve moisture retention and aeration, particularly in raised beds that tend to drain quickly. It is an excellent addition, especially for moisture-loving plants.
• Coconut coir is an eco-friendly alternative to peat moss and improves water retention. It’s a renewable resource and has excellent water-holding capacity.
• Soil Amendments: Based on your specific plant needs, consider adding additional organic nutrient amendments like bone meal, blood meal, or fish emulsion. These organic supplements provide essential macro and micronutrients to replenish the health of your soil and plants every year.

What pH Should Garden Soil Be?

Periodically test the pH of your soil to ensure it falls within the appropriate range for the plants you intend to grow. Many organic materials, like compost, help buffer the pH to a neutral or slightly acidic level, which is suitable for most plants.

Remember that organic materials not only improve soil fertility but also support the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms, which contribute to plant health. Tailoring your raised bed garden’s soil mix with organic materials will promote thriving and sustainable plant growth while reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and harmful chemical inputs.

To learn more about the dangers of synthetic herbicides, read our blog post on the dangers of glyphosate a.k.a. “Round-Up”

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Plant Selection for Raised Beds: What Thrives in Elevated Planters

What can I plant in raised bed gardens?

Raised bed gardens provide an ideal environment for growing a wide range of edible annual vegetables and herbs. When planning your raised bed garden, you can categorize your plant choices into several broad categories, allowing for diversity and effective crop rotation. Here are some categories of edible annuals suitable for raised bed gardens:

• Leafy Greens: Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and arugula thrive in raised beds. Their shallow root systems make them well-suited to the limited space of raised planters.
• Herbs: Herbs such as basil, cilantro, parsley, mint, and thyme flourish in raised beds. Their aromatic qualities can deter pests and enhance the flavors of neighboring plants.
• Tomatoes and Peppers: These fruiting vegetables benefit from the well-draining and fertile soil of raised beds. Consider trellising or staking these plants to maximize space.
• Root Crops: Vegetables like carrots, radishes, beets, and onions can be grown in raised beds with loose, well-draining soil. They appreciate the controlled soil conditions.
• Bush Beans and Peas: Compact varieties of beans and peas are well-suited for raised beds. Their vertical growth habit makes them ideal for saving space and maximizing yields.
• Cucurbits: Bush varieties of cucumbers, zucchini, and squash can be grown in raised beds. Just ensure that they have enough space to spread out.
• Spices: Grow spices like dill, coriander, and fennel to season your dishes and attract beneficial insects.

Before planting, it’s essential to plan the layout of your raised bed garden, taking into account plant heights, growth habits, and compatibility. Additionally, practicing crop rotation can help prevent soil depletion and disease buildup in your raised beds. By carefully selecting and arranging your edible annuals in the raised bed, you can enjoy a bountiful and diverse harvest throughout the growing season.

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Backyard Eats extensive garden planning and planting process takes all the guesswork out of preparing your garden! Our interactive order form allows you to choose from dozens of popular and high-performance crops for spring and summer, automatically calculated to fit the exact size of your garden. We will rotate crops to help control pests, and use succession planting throughout the season to ensure your garden is never empty.

To learn more about our garden planning and planting process, click here.

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Irrigation and Drainage Solutions for Raised Bed Gardens

Irrigation and drainage solutions are important considerations for maintaining a healthy and productive raised bed garden. While there are various methods to deliver water to your plants, drip irrigation stands out as an efficient and effective choice, offering several advantages over traditional hand-watering or “do-it-yourself” techniques.

Best Irrigation System for Raised Bed Gardens

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of plants, minimizing water evaporation. This method ensures that plants receive the moisture they need without needless waste, making it one of the most water-efficient options available.

Drip irrigation provides a consistent and uniform water supply to each plant’s root zone. This promotes even growth and prevents under- or overwatering, which can lead to healthier plants and higher yields.

How to Control Weeds in a Raised Bed

Drip irrigation targets the root zones of your plants, reducing moisture around the soil surface. This minimizes weed growth in the surrounding soil, as weed seeds are less likely to germinate in drier soil, resulting in less weeding and maintenance.

How to Prevent Disease in a Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

Overhead watering can promote fungal diseases and leaf wetness. In contrast, drip irrigation helps keep plants dry and reduces the risk of diseases. This is especially beneficial for popular crops like tomatoes, which are susceptible to fungal issues.

How to Save Time and Money with a Raised Bed

Drip irrigation systems automate the watering process, reducing the time and effort required for hand-watering. This is particularly advantageous for busy gardeners or those with larger raised bed gardens.

In conclusion, while traditional DIY hand-watering methods have their place in gardening, the numerous benefits of drip irrigation, such as water efficiency, plant health, and time savings, make it a superior choice for maintaining a flourishing and low-maintenance raised bed vegetable garden.

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Seasonal Maintenance and Care Tips for Raised Beds

Seasonal maintenance and care for raised bed gardens are essential to ensure year-round productivity and garden health. When maintaining a garden planted throughout spring, summer, and fall, consider the following seasonal tips to optimize your raised bed’s performance:

Spring Care Tips for Raised Bed Gardens (March to May):

• Soil Inspection: As the gardening season begins, inspect your raised bed’s soil. It may have settled or lost some nutrients during the winter. Top off the bed with fresh compost and organic matter to replenish nutrients and improve soil structure.
• Weed Control: Clear any early spring weeds that have emerged, as they can compete with your crops for nutrients and sunlight. Mulch the bed to suppress future weed growth.
• Pruning and Trellising: If you’re growing vining or tall plants like tomatoes and cucumbers, start pruning and trellising them to encourage healthy growth and good air circulation.

Summer (June to August):

• Regular Watering: Maintain a consistent watering schedule, as summer often brings hot and dry conditions. Drip irrigation systems can be especially beneficial during this period.
• Pest Management: Keep an eye out for threats like aphids and fungus. Regularly inspect your plants and use organic pest control methods when necessary.
• Harvesting: Begin harvesting your summer crops when they reach maturity to encourage continuous production. Regular harvesting can also prevent overcrowding in the raised bed.

Fall (September to November):

• Plant Fall Crops: As summer crops dwindle, replant your raised bed with cool-season vegetables like kale, carrots, and lettuce. These crops can thrive in the milder fall weather.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to insulate the soil and protect it from temperature fluctuations. Mulch also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fall Clean-Up: Remove spent plants and any debris that could harbor pests or diseases. Compost healthy plant material and dispose of diseased plants to prevent the spread of pathogens.
• Protect from Frost: If you anticipate frost in your area, cover sensitive crops with frost blankets or row covers to extend the growing season.
• Raised Bed Inspection: Before winter sets in, inspect the structure of your raised bed. Ensure it’s still sturdy and make any necessary repairs to maintain its integrity.

Raised beds make it easier to address the specific needs of your crops throughout the changing seasons. By following these seasonal maintenance and care tips for your raised bed garden, you can enjoy an abundant harvest throughout the growing season while keeping your garden in prime condition for the next planting.

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How to Start Building Your Raised Bed Garden

In a world where information overload can make the prospect of gardening feel overwhelming, raised bed gardening stands out as an accessible and rewarding choice for cultivating your own green oasis. With the proper knowledge and a bit of guidance, anyone can embark on this journey to create a thriving, beautiful garden.

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If you’re ready to take the first step or enhance your existing raised bed garden, seize the opportunity today. Don’t let indecision hold you back! Book a consultation with Backyard Eats’ gardening experts who can provide personalized advice and offer hands-on assistance.

Transform your outdoor space and embark on a journey of sustainable gardening, healthy living, and personal satisfaction. Your dream garden is closer than you think—book your consultation today, and make your garden dream a reality!

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