Can an elevated backyard mattress actually deal with sizzling climates like an Arizona summer time?
It’s undoubtedly potential—with a couple of key changes. Elevated beds are extra uncovered than in-ground choices, however with the proper setup, you’ll be able to develop productive, wholesome crops even within the warmth.
On this publish, I’ll share the strategies I take advantage of to maintain my elevated beds rising by the most well liked months. In the event you backyard in a sizzling, dry local weather, the following tips will assist.
For extra on selecting, establishing, and planting in elevated beds, learn my publish on The way to Develop in Elevated Backyard Beds.
On the lookout for the mattress I take advantage of? Click on right here to see it on Vego Backyard and use one in every of my low cost codes.
Right here’s what we’ll cowl:
Begin Early
Timing is every little thing when gardening in sizzling climates, particularly in elevated beds. I plant early within the season to present crops time to determine sturdy root programs earlier than the extraordinary warmth units in.
In the event you wait too lengthy, younger vegetation is probably not well-established sufficient to outlive the stress of summer time. As soon as they’re struggling within the warmth, it’s a lot tougher for them to get better. Beginning early offers your backyard one of the best probability to thrive. Use my month-to-month planting guides or Low Desert Planting Guides that will help you determine what and when to plant.
Watering Methods That Work
Elevated beds dry out extra rapidly than in-ground beds, so constant, deep watering is vital. Right here’s what works effectively in my backyard:
Ollas (buried clay pots):
These ship sluggish, regular moisture proper on the root zone. Additionally they act as a pure moisture gauge—in the event that they’re nonetheless full, the encircling soil is holding water. In the event that they’re low, it’s time to water. I take advantage of the ollas from Growoya. I’ve 3 medium ollas in my 6 foot mattress.
Study extra: Utilizing Ollas to Water Your Backyard
Wool pellets:
I combine these wool pellets into the highest few inches of soil when filling the mattress. They take up and slowly launch moisture over time, which helps keep extra even moisture ranges in dry situations.
Mulch:
As soon as seedlings are up, I apply 2–3 inches of natural mulch. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, cut back evaporation, and preserve the soil from drying out too rapidly.
Test earlier than you water:
Elevated beds want common monitoring, however in case you’re utilizing high-quality soil, it can retain moisture higher than typical container mixes. At all times examine the soil earlier than watering and wait to water till the highest inch or two dries out.
The aim is to maintain soil persistently moist with out waterlogging. A well-mulched mattress with good soil and deep watering strategies will outperform smaller containers and require much less day by day consideration.
Sensible Summer season Placement of Elevated Backyard Beds
In sizzling climates, the place you place your elevated mattress makes an enormous distinction. Vegetation want solar to develop effectively, however an excessive amount of afternoon solar can rapidly stress them and dry out the soil.
The best spot receives morning solar and afternoon shade. This gives sufficient mild for progress with out exposing vegetation to probably the most intense warmth of the day.
Throughout sizzling months, I keep away from:
Western exposures, which obtain harsh afternoon solar.
Block partitions or concrete, which mirror and radiate warmth.
In case your mattress is on wheels, transfer it as wanted all through the season to seek out the proper stability of solar and shade.
A considerate structure makes all of the distinction in the case of raised mattress gardens. Learn this text for sensible concepts and layouts that will help you plan a backyard that works together with your house.
What to Plant within the Warmth
In elevated beds throughout summer time, compact, heat-tolerant crops are your greatest wager. Many warm-season favorites—like watermelon and candy potatoes—can rapidly overwhelm a small house, so selection choice and spacing are key.
At all times begin with wholesome transplants and plant early so roots can get established earlier than the warmth units in. Listed here are some concepts for summer time gardening in elevated beds:
Compact peppers and tomatoes (plant early and monitor—some could go dormant in the midst of summer time)
Armenian cucumbers and cantaloupe, skilled vertically on a ladder mesh block trellis
Basil, which thrives within the warmth, will be harvested incessantly
Dwarf zinnias or different compact, heat-loving flowers for colour and pollinators
Keep away from overcrowding. Give crops sufficient room to develop. For extra concepts, see my full guides on heat-loving greens and heat-tolerant flowers.
What to Do Throughout a Heatwave
Common summer time warmth is one factor, however when temperatures spike or linger for days, elevated beds want additional safety. As a result of they’re uncovered on all sides, the soil heats up sooner than in-ground beds, which may stress and even injury plant roots.
Right here’s how I defend my elevated beds throughout excessive warmth:
Transfer the mattress into shade if potential. Even shifting a couple of toes could make an enormous distinction.
Use shade fabric or a light-weight cowl to dam direct solar throughout the hottest a part of the day.
Test soil moisture extra incessantly. Even beds with ollas and mulch can dry out rapidly throughout a heatwave.
Water early within the day so vegetation are hydrated earlier than peak warmth.
Mulch effectively to insulate the soil and cut back evaporation from the floor.
You too can monitor how sizzling the soil is getting utilizing a soil thermometer. I take advantage of this soil thermometer from Amazon to trace soil temps throughout the hottest months. For a full how-to, see my information: The way to Test Soil Temperature.
For extra heatwave safety ideas, learn: Gardening in a Heatwave.
FAQ: Elevated Beds in Sizzling Climates
How deep ought to an elevated mattress be?A minimum of 12 inches (30 cm). That depth helps sturdy roots and holds extra moisture.
What’s one of the best watering methodology?Oyas and deep watering with natural mulch. Keep away from shallow, frequent watering.
Can I backyard by the summer time in an elevated mattress?Sure, with cautious planning. Begin early, mulch deeply, and keep away from afternoon solar.
Ought to I add worms to my elevated mattress?No. As a substitute, combine in worm castings.
Remaining Ideas on Elevated Beds in Sizzling Climates
Elevated backyard beds can produce by the summer time—even in sizzling, dry climates—in case you set them up for achievement.
Good soil, early planting, deep watering, and good placement make all of the distinction.
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Have questions on elevated mattress gardening within the warmth? Depart a remark.
