Proper design of beds not only increases productivity, but also gives the site a beautiful and well-groomed appearance. The summer resident decides on his own what size and shape is best to make the beds. When choosing, you need to take into account several factors: area of the site, terrain, type of plants planted, design style of the dacha, presence near bodies of water.
Lenght and width
Thanks to the optimal layout of the site, it will be possible to effectively use the land area and organize convenient maintenance of the beds.
The main task of proper planning is the possibility of growing high yields, and not the maximum planting of the territory with plants.
The wrong option is when summer residents densely plant the soil with plants, leaving narrow strips of land for row spacing. With a high density of plants, they lack light and air, and it is difficult to weed and water the plantings. On narrow paths it is very inconvenient to care for greenery.
Recommendations for choosing bed parameters:
- The width is determined by the type of plants planted. It is recommended to plant tomatoes on strips 75-80 cm wide. Greens are planted on meter-long strips, and beets and carrots are planted in two rows on strips 85-90 cm wide;
- Summer residents choose the length individually, taking into account the size of the plot. The recommended parameter is 3-6 m. Curved beds can be 10-15 m long.
When planning the layout of the site, it is important to consider the distance between the landing strips. For convenient maintenance of plants, it is enough to make row spacing at least half a meter wide.
Height of beds
The method of arranging raised beds is becoming increasingly popular. The principle of arrangement is simple: boxes made of plastic, boards, bricks with a side height of 15-80 cm are installed on the site. The advantages of arranging such structures in the garden:
- rapid heating of the soil in spring;
- good soil drainage;
- plants are exposed to less stress due to minimal changes in soil temperature;
- maintenance of green spaces is simplified;
- it is easier to maintain order on the site.
Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that the soil dries quickly; it cannot be installed in areas with difficult terrain. The construction of boxes requires money; the boxes cannot be easily moved.
When choosing the height of traditional beds, the following factors must be taken into account: on damp, poorly heated soils, ridges with a height of 25-45 cm are arranged; on light soils, beds with a height of 15-25 cm can be made. It should be taken into account that the edges of soil elevations on clay soils They make them steep, and on sandy ones they make them flat.
Plant placement scheme, which is important to consider when planning
When placing on a summer cottage, be sure to take into account the type of plants that are planned to be planted. Approximate parameters for the location of holes when growing various plant crops:
- early white cabbage – 40x40 cm, late – 70x50 cm;
- when planting bell peppers, holes in the row are made in increments of 35-40 cm, row spacing is 50-70 cm;
- To grow cucumbers vertically, make long, narrow beds. The distance between bushes in a row is 35-40 cm, the distance between rows is 20-25 cm;
- tomatoes - 50x50 cm, a support is installed for each bush;
- the distance between eggplant seedlings is 35-40 cm, between rows – 60-65 cm;
- when planting potatoes, holes are dug in increments of 30-35 cm, row spacing is 70-80 cm;
- climbing zucchini – 70x85 cm.
It is advisable to sow root crops in several rows. Moreover, the distance between the rows is left 11-15 cm; in the row, holes for seeds are made in increments of 5-8 cm.
Form
This parameter also needs to be taken into account when planning the site. It is advisable to arrange traditional rectangular beds for growing vegetables and strawberries in compact areas to save space. To decorate a spacious summer cottage, you can use square or round beds.
Any well-groomed bed should warm up well, so the rows are placed in the north-south direction. It is advisable to use sides so that the soil does not crumble and moisture is retained in the soil longer when watering. In relief areas, the rows are placed across the slope. Plots located on steep slopes are decorated with terraces, installing sides made of slate and boards.
