Backyard gardening is becoming increasingly popular as more people want to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Raised garden beds are an excellent way to start a productive and beautiful garden. Corner tiered raised beds take this a step further by allowing you to maximize planting space and create visual interest.
What is a Corner Tiered Raised Bed?
A corner tiered raised bed refers to a multi-level planter box that sits in the corner of a yard or garden. The beds are stacked on top of each other, creating several gardening areas that ascend upwards.
The tiered design takes advantage of vertical space and enables you to grow more plants in a small area, The corner position also efficiently utilizes the often underused and awkward corners of a landscape
Benefits of Corner Tiered Raised Beds
There are many advantages to using a corner tiered raised bed in your garden:
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Maximizes planting space – By stacking garden beds you can grow up to 3-4 times more plants compared to a single raised bed. Great for small yards.
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Convenient access – The tiered levels bring plants closer to eye level and arm’s reach, making planting, weeding, and harvesting easier.
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Better drainage – Elevated beds promote drainage and prevent plants from getting waterlogged This is especially important for corner locations which may collect runoff
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Aesthetic appeal – A corner tiered bed becomes a stunning focal point and adds visual interest to the garden. The elevating design has a modern, artistic flair.
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Supports various plants – Grow flowers, vegetables, or herbs in the different levels. The vertical spaces are ideal for deep-rooted and vining plants.
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Promotes air circulation – Air flows freely around the multiple bed surfaces, decreasing moisture buildup and risk of diseases.
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Accessible gardening – The raised heights make gardens more manageable for seniors, those with disabilities, or anyone who prefers not to bend over.
Choosing the Right Corner Tiered Planter
When selecting a corner tiered raised bed, there are a few key considerations:
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Size – Measure your available corner space and opt for a tiered bed with appropriate dimensions. Consider the size of plants you want to grow.
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Number of tiers – Typically 2-3 tiered levels maximize the corner shape. Allow adequate vertical space between tiers for your plants.
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Material – Wood, metal, plastic composite are common options. Wood looks most natural but needs sealing. Metal and plastic last longer.
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Style – Consider the garden style you want. Decorative metal beds offer a modern look while rustic wood enhances a cottage garden.
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Budget – Corner tiered beds cost more than standard single level beds. Prioritize durability if investing more upfront.
DIY or pre-made – Pre-made tiered planters are easiest to install but can be pricey. DIY is cheaper but requires woodworking skills.
Ideal Plants for Corner Tiered Raised Beds
The vertical gardening environment of a corner tiered raised bed lends itself well to certain types of plants:
Lower tier: Dwarf or bushy plants, lettuce, herbs, brassicas
Middle tier: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, bush beans, peas
Upper tier: Vining plants like cucumbers, pole beans, squash. Also suitable for root crops like carrots, radishes.
Consider sun exposure when assigning plant locations. Place sun-loving plants on the top, while shade tolerant varieties thrive in the lower levels.
Setting Up Your Corner Tiered Raised Bed
Select location – Choose a level, sunny corner with decent drainage. Avoid placing it under trees or eaves that will limit sunlight.
Create foundation – The base level of the tiered bed must sit on firm, stable ground or a patio/deck. Use landscape blocks or bricks to create a foundation.
Level the tiers – Each tier should be level to prevent soil, water, and compost runoff. Use a spirit level tool.
Add support – Insert stakes at corners or in the middle of the bed to reinforce the tiered structure and prevent bowing over time.
Fill with soil – Use a quality potting soil or garden soil blend. Enrich with compost or organic fertilizers.
Plant and enjoy! – Add your plants, being sure to leave proper spacing between them as they grow. Nurture your stunning vertical garden!
With the right setup and care, a corner tiered raised bed enables any gardener to maximize their planting space and create a spectacular vertical edible or ornamental garden. The tiered design is also quite beginner-friendly, as each level acts as its own individual gardening station. elevation your gardening skills and satisfation by incorporating one of these multifunctional raised beds into your landscape!
Frequently Asked Questions about Corner Tiered Raised Beds
What size should I make each tier level?
Generally make each raised bed tier at least 8-12 inches deep and 2-4 feet wide. This gives adequate room for most plants’ roots. Standard wood boards come in 8 or 12 inch widths.
How much space do I need between tiers?
Allow at least 12-18 inches between the soil surfaces of tier levels. This ensures sufficient light exposure and air circulation to the lower level as plants grow.
What materials can I build a corner tiered raised bed from?
Cedar and redwood are ideal wood choices, or use naturally rot-resistant lumber like cypress. Recycled plastic and composites like Trex are other low-maintenance options. Metal is also very durable but can overheat plants in hot climates.
How do I prevent the tiers from collapsing?
Proper corner supports are key. Use brackets or make wooden triangular gussets at the interior corners. Stakes inserted into the ground or connecting the tiers together add reinforcement too. Avoid overloading the top tiers.
What can I do if my yard doesn’t have a suitable corner?
You can still reap the benefits of a tiered raised bed along any flat feature like a fence or wall. The beds would extend perpendicular rather than nestle into a corner. Just be sure to allow enough space between the wall and beds.
How long will a corner tiered raised bed last?
With proper construction from quality materials, a tiered raised bed can last 5-10 years or longer. Maintain the wood by sealing, staining, or painting it every few years. Watch for rotting or warped boards over time.
Can I grow different plants in each tier?
Absolutely! One benefit of tiered beds is growing various complementary plants in each level. Just be mindful of sunlight and water needs when deciding what goes where.
What can I do during winter?
You can leave soils in place over winter. To freshen beds up each year, remove some old spent soil and add fresh compost or garden soil. Some gardeners also grow cold hardy veggies like kale or spinach through winter.
How do I water a corner tiered raised bed?
It’s easiest to hand water with a hose, wand, or watering can. Drip irrigation tubing or soaker hoses work well too. Just be sure to deliver water deeply to all tiers. Automatic timers help maintain consistent watering.
