All the advantages and disadvantages of warm beds: is it worth spending time on their arrangement?

Warm beds These differ from regular beds in that the soil warms up quickly due to their multiple layers. The lower layers act as biofuel, warming the layers above, which in turn warm the layers below, and so on. These beds are a good choice for those who want to plant their crops in the ground earlier. To ensure they're effective, the soil must be selected correctly, otherwise the plants may die.

What are the structures filled with?

The beds are structures of varying lengths, heights, and widths. They are filled with several layers of soil to warm the seeds and ensure an early harvest.

1. The base layer consists of slowly decomposing components: wood, wood chips, branches, and thick plant trunks. They act as drainage, allowing air to circulate and preventing water from stagnating in the upper layers.
2. The second layer is fine organic matter: vegetable and fruit peelings, grass clippings, and sawdust. Paper and sand are often added.
3. The third layer consists of fallen leaves, humus, vegetable tops, straw, chalk, and ash.
4. The final layer is fertile soil from the plot or a mixture of peat, sand, garden soil, and humus. All components are used in equal parts. Sawdust can be added to the mixture.

When filling, each layer is watered.

Advantages

Creating warm beds is not a labor-intensive process, and they also have advantages over regular ones:

1. The possibility of planting crops in early autumn, when the soil on the site has not yet warmed up.
2. Accelerated crop ripening.
3. Obtaining 2-3 harvests per season.
4. Minimum amount of weeds.
5. A garden bed can be made on an infertile plot.
6. There is no need to dig up the soil – it is already loose.
7. No risk of flooding due to melting snow and frequent rainfall.
8. High yield due to decomposition of organic components.
9. Rapid heating of the soil.
10. No risk of stagnant water or disruption of air circulation due to the drainage system

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Tall structures are very easy to maintain, and there is no need to bend over much, which is a definite plus for older people.

Flaws

These beds have few disadvantages, but they can be inconvenient. The beds are located above ground level, requiring special systems or other equipment for watering. Because of the elevated location and drainage system, water quickly drains away, causing the soil to dry out faster, especially in hot weather.

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If the structure is located in an open, sunny spot, rapid soil warming will be a disadvantage—the plants will burn. Therefore, during hot periods, it is necessary to protect the beds from the sun. Another disadvantage is the presence of pests: ants, mice, and mole crickets can live in the lower parts of the soil and spoil the crop. The bed can be used for no more than four years. After its expiration date, it will need to be refilled.

Warm beds allow early harvests to be grown without the use of mineral fertilizers, as the soil's fertility is ensured by the organic components. The decomposition of organic matter generates heat, and the soil temperature inside the structures is 6-8°C higher than the ground temperature outside.