How to Raise Beds for Planting Daylilies
- 1). Select a location that receives full sun (at least six hours each day). The site should also be relatively level.
- 2). Measure out the bed, using a measuring tape. A bed about four feet wide makes it easy to access every part of the bed without stepping into it and compacting the soil.
- 3). Pound a wooden stake into the soil at one corner of the bed, using a hammer. Repeat for every corner of the bed.
- 4). Tie twine to one wooden stake, then loop it around the remaining stakes, making sure it stays taunt. Now your bed should be perfectly outlined.
- 5). Spray paint just under the twine, if you like, to make bed preparation a little easier.
- 6). Determine how high you want the bed to be. It must be at least six inches deep, but 12 inches is preferred by many, as it makes tending the bed a bit easier.
- 7). Rototill the existing soil in the bed, or dig it by hand with a shovel or spade. Be sure at least eight inches of soil gets loosened.
- 8). Cut the lumber the desired size (using a saw) and attach them together with screws or nails, making a rectangular frame. Alternatively, stack concrete blocks to form the outer shape of the bed.
- 9). Use a level to make sure your bed isn't lopsided. Lopsided beds won't contain water well and can lead to growing problems in your plants. To adjust the wooden frame or block, pack some soil underneath low-lying areas.
- 10
Fill the newly-formed bed with soil. First, lay down some aged manure, then rich, organic compost, and finally, good quality top soil. Quality soil is important, since daylilies require well draining earth, or they may be prone to disease like mildew and rot. - 11
Rake the soil level. - 12
Water the soil well and allow to drain for about 20 minutes. - 13
Plant daylily bulbs in the fall or spring, directly into the raised bed. Plants with smaller flowers generally should grow 16 to 24 inches apart, while those with large blooms grow best 18 to 30 inches apart.
