Page 9 2026 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2026 Once you have considered the benefits, your next decision is to select the type of raised bed that best suits your needs. Wood, metal, brick, and fabric are the most popular materials for constructing beds. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, wood is the most common material for raised beds. It is relatively low-cost and easy to find. Hardwoods, such as cedar or hemlock, last longer than softwoods like pine or fir and may be a better investment. Fabric beds are lightweight, easy to assemble, and allow good drainage, but may not be as durable over time. Building on the choice of materials, the University of Minnesota has also found that metal is becoming more popular for raised gardens. There are several options for large or small containers, ranging from galvanized buckets to animal troughs. Galvanized buckets provide rust resistance but may leach zinc into the bed depending on soil acidity. Stainless steel is another viable metal option. Brick or pavers can provide a more aesthetic option with good durability, though they are often costly and require more installation effort. Shifting the focus from wood and metal, another material gaining popularity is fabric. Garden centers are now offering fabric grow bags. These bags come in a variety of sizes and are a cost-effective option. However, the University of Minnesota advised that there is limited research on the rise of microplastics leaching from the bags, which may be a potential drawback. Once you’ve selected your materials, the next consideration is location. In addition to soil selection, the University of Minnesota provides tips for choosing the best site for your raised beds or containers—an equally important step. Assess how many hours of sunlight your vegetables, herbs, or flowers need. If space is limited, use vertical areas such as trellises, cattle panels, or hanging baskets. With your chosen materials and beds in place, it’s time to fill them. Being able to control the type of soil you put into your containers is one of the advantages of raised bed gardening. Containers can be filled in a variety of ways. Some recommend cardboard or branches. The University of Minnesota recommends a combination of compost and topsoil. However, they advise against potting soil as it dries out quickly. After preparing your site and soil, the next step is choosing what to grow. For salsa lovers, all the necessary ingredients can be grown in one
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