<p> Raised Bed Gardening 101 Cont.</p><p>Welcome back! I assume you have read through our first blog post and know what size raised bed you want to start with or you may already have one you currently use. Now, lets determine what plants do well in raised beds and give you some ideas of what plants to try.</p><p>Top plants for growing  Spinach  Kale  Lettuce  Tomatoes  Potatoes  Root Vegetables  Beets  Carrots  Radishes  Onions</p><p>This is a short list but if you can grow it in the ground you can most likely grow it in a raised bed. My favorite to grow in a raised bed is strawberries! Growing in the ground I was always getting weeds and I can keep the weeds down so much better in a raised bed. The best recommendation I can give is sit down right now and write down what fruits and vegetables you and your family eat and if you want to try growing them yourself. Lay out your raised bed, then see if you have any left over room. Extra space? PERFECT! This space could be trial area, plant something you've never tried, kohlrabi, leeks, or garlic. You may be surprised by what you like.</p><p>Time to plant! You know what you want to plant now it's time to lay out your space. Don't crowd your plants, read how big they get and plant so that the leaves just touch slightly when full grown. The best way to save space is to grow up! I've used a metal panel of cattle fence from farm and fleet and made it into an arch and grown cucumbers on it, they do amazing! Other great plants to grow on a trellis are pole beans, melons, and tomatoes. If you grow heavier fruit like melons, you may have to use slings to hold the fruit until ripe. (Pictured right) Other plants are companion plants and do well together. Examples: Corn beans and squash, tomatoes, basil and onions, or carrots, onions, radishes, beats and celery. Remember to replenish with compost before the next growing season! Stop in the Grieder Garden Center with any questions! By Jessica Raney & Debbie Fairand</p>