Reduce maintenance, increase success with self-watering gardens

By MELINDA MYERS

Contributor

Raised beds and containers expand our planting options. They allow us to grow edible and ornamental plants even where there is no plantable space to garden.

Their need for frequent watering may have discouraged you from growing in raised beds and containers. The limited soil mass and increased exposure to wind, heat and sunlight make fast-draining potting mixes dry out more quickly than in-ground gardens.

Self-watering raised gardens are now available, making these gardens a realistic option; even for the busiest gardener. Consider one with a large built-in water r...