Creating a box garden for vegetables, also known as a raised bed garden, is a great way to grow your own fresh produce, even in a small space. Here’s a simple guide to help you set one up:

 1.Choose a location

 – Get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight to give your plant strength.

 – Make sure it has good drainage and is accessible for watering and care.

 2.Select the box size and materials

 – Size: A common size is the Sazi 4ft x 4ft or 4ft x 8ft, which is suitable for your space which gives enough space for planting without being too big for your maintenance.

 – Height: Aim for 12-18 inches deep for most vegetables. For root vegetables like carrots, you may want a little more depth. And if you think you won’t grow a vegetable like carrots and radishes, aim for 8-14 inches deep.

 – Materials: You can use untreated wood (cedar or redwood is naturally rot-resistant), brick or cinder block.

 3.Make the vegetable box

 – Cut materials: If you are using wood, cut to size. For example, if you’re building a 4×4 box, you’ll need to cut four planks 4 feet long.

 – Assemble: Use screws or nails to attach the sides. Reinforce the corners with brackets if necessary.

 – Place the box: Place the box in a place where the sun shines and set it on the ground, make sure that it is not level so that the water does not flow well.

 4.Prepare the soil for the vegetable box

 – Loosen the soil: If planting directly in the ground, loosen the soil slightly for better drainage so that you plant the plants without any discomfort.

 – Fill the box: Mix garden soil with compost to provide rich, well-drained soil. A typical mix is ​​60% topsoil, 30% compost and 10% potting soil or peat moss.

 – Aim for a soil depth of at least 12 inches for most vegetables as the variety gets more vigor with which the plant can grow.

 5.Vegetables you can easily plant

 – Choose vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, which grow well together. Consider companion planting to maximise space and reduce pests.

 – Popular choices for beginners are tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, peppers and herbs like basil or parsley.

 6.Water and maintenance

 – Water your garden regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

 – Mulch around your plants to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

 – Add compost or organic fertilisers during the growing season.

 7.Protection

 – Protect your garden from pests with netting or fencing to ensure no bugs attack your plants.

 – You can also add a trellis for vining plants like cucumbers or beans.

 This method helps maximise space and makes the garden easier to manage and maintain. Happy gardening!