Improving Garden Production in Coastal Environments Using Raised Garden Beds

Abstract

Food insecurity is particularly prevalent in coastal areas where sodic soils can make it difficult to successfully produce home gardens that supplement dietary needs of low-income gardeners. The objective of this study was to evaluate raised bed substrate depth needed to successfully produce several ornamental and garden species not typically adapted to a coastal environment. Raised beds of 12'', 17'', and 32'' depth filled with an amended substrate successfully increased tomato and Irish potato yields. Tomato fruit count, yield and plant biomass were also increased by at least 2.8-fold compared to growing in the indigenous soil. Similarly, Irish potato count and yield were increased by 2.4-fold and plant biomass by as much as 3.5 times. Basil and rosemary harvest was increased by at least 2.5 times greater than the control. Sunflower and petunia count data were at least 3 times greater for 17'' and 32'' raised beds. Sweetpotato “Murasaki” yields were increased 2 to 3 times yield when grown in 17'' and 32'' raised beds. Basil and rosemary harvest was increased by at least 2.5 times greater than the control. Raised beds can provide a substantial cost savings and improved nutrition in diets of low-income families.