Each year, in addition to growing as much food as possible, it is our goal to make the garden more and more self sufficient. Therefore, we have been taking on 1 (or in the case of last year, 2) big upgrades per year.
Last year, as you may recall, Barney built us a greenhouse and also installed a water line directly out to the garden area. They were great helps. The greenhouse has let us get a great start on this year's seedlings with last week's destruction not withstanding. The waterline makes my watering job in the mornings oh so much easier because I do not have to pull out and then roll up the hose.
This year, we have yet another huge upgrade: raised beds!
I cannot take credit for this idea, nor almost any of our upgrades so far. Barney is a handyman. A builder. An engineer. He sees things and figures out ways to make them better and more efficient.
My biggest hurdle last year were the weeds. We had so much area to maintain that I would spend hour and hours pulling weeds only to look like I got nowhere. They effected our plants, and in the end I surrendered and let a whole quarter of our garden go entirely wild before the spring was even over. So, how to decrease the garden size without decreasing the amount of plants and output? Raised Beds!
In addition to our beds, we are hoping to have various support structures for our veggies too. Pictured above is a pea trellis and we also plan to build something similar for our cucumbers and green beans.
Last year, as you may recall, Barney built us a greenhouse and also installed a water line directly out to the garden area. They were great helps. The greenhouse has let us get a great start on this year's seedlings with last week's destruction not withstanding. The waterline makes my watering job in the mornings oh so much easier because I do not have to pull out and then roll up the hose.
This year, we have yet another huge upgrade: raised beds!
I cannot take credit for this idea, nor almost any of our upgrades so far. Barney is a handyman. A builder. An engineer. He sees things and figures out ways to make them better and more efficient.
My biggest hurdle last year were the weeds. We had so much area to maintain that I would spend hour and hours pulling weeds only to look like I got nowhere. They effected our plants, and in the end I surrendered and let a whole quarter of our garden go entirely wild before the spring was even over. So, how to decrease the garden size without decreasing the amount of plants and output? Raised Beds!
In addition to our beds, we are hoping to have various support structures for our veggies too. Pictured above is a pea trellis and we also plan to build something similar for our cucumbers and green beans.
Benefits to Raised Beds
1. WEEDING
They cut down on the amount of space you have to weed and maintain.
2. LONGER GROWING SEASON
The soil warms up faster in the spring for an earlier growing season.
3. SOIL QUALITY
The soil quality is usually better and lighter because it is never stepped on and nutrients don't drain away.
4. DRAINAGE
They provide good drainage and you wont have seedlings sitting in pools of water.
5. ANIMALS
If tall enough, they can help deter pests and animals.
6. ITS PRETTY
Raised beds are aesthetically pleasing and can be made in pretty patterns and rows.
7. PLANNING
They are better for square-foot gardening and laying out vegetables for companion planting.
8. ACCESSABLE
They are easier on the knees because gardeners don't have to bend down as far.
9. MORE FOOD
I read somewhere that raised garden beds can help to provide a 40% increase in vegetable yields. I am so so so hoping that this one is true!
They cut down on the amount of space you have to weed and maintain.
2. LONGER GROWING SEASON
The soil warms up faster in the spring for an earlier growing season.
3. SOIL QUALITY
The soil quality is usually better and lighter because it is never stepped on and nutrients don't drain away.
4. DRAINAGE
They provide good drainage and you wont have seedlings sitting in pools of water.
5. ANIMALS
If tall enough, they can help deter pests and animals.
6. ITS PRETTY
Raised beds are aesthetically pleasing and can be made in pretty patterns and rows.
7. PLANNING
They are better for square-foot gardening and laying out vegetables for companion planting.
8. ACCESSABLE
They are easier on the knees because gardeners don't have to bend down as far.
9. MORE FOOD
I read somewhere that raised garden beds can help to provide a 40% increase in vegetable yields. I am so so so hoping that this one is true!
Considerations for Building Raised Beds
PLACEMENT: Make sure beds are in a good spot, get the appropriate amount of light for your plants and won't be in the way. Also make sure you leave enough room between beds for lawn mower if you plan to seed the area around the beds.
MATERIALS: Choose a material that is sure to hold up. I have seen pictures of corrugated metal, cinderblocks, and of course- wood. Barney found a great deal on some cedar, which was perfect because cedar will withstand the weather. (We didn't want to use pressure treated wood that was covered in chemicals.) Plus, it smells nice!
SIZE: The beds should be tall enough for what you need, but no less than a foot in hight. Consider that the taller you make them, the more soil mix you will need to fill it. Also keep in mind that you have to reach the center of the bed without standing on the soil. Therefore, try to keep it to a depth of 4-5 feet maximum.
FILLER: The soil you put inside your beds matter! Plants grow from the bottom up, so make sure that bottom is good. There are plenty of suggestions on the internet. For us, buying potting mix in such quantity was not an option. So, we combined top soil, peat moss, compost from our pile and soil from our garden last year. Many recommend putting a layer of mulch on the top as well. We haven't done this yet, but I hope to.
Who else out there has raised beds? Any recommendations?
And a HUGE thanks to Barney for making all of this!
It wouldn't be possible without you!
MATERIALS: Choose a material that is sure to hold up. I have seen pictures of corrugated metal, cinderblocks, and of course- wood. Barney found a great deal on some cedar, which was perfect because cedar will withstand the weather. (We didn't want to use pressure treated wood that was covered in chemicals.) Plus, it smells nice!
SIZE: The beds should be tall enough for what you need, but no less than a foot in hight. Consider that the taller you make them, the more soil mix you will need to fill it. Also keep in mind that you have to reach the center of the bed without standing on the soil. Therefore, try to keep it to a depth of 4-5 feet maximum.
FILLER: The soil you put inside your beds matter! Plants grow from the bottom up, so make sure that bottom is good. There are plenty of suggestions on the internet. For us, buying potting mix in such quantity was not an option. So, we combined top soil, peat moss, compost from our pile and soil from our garden last year. Many recommend putting a layer of mulch on the top as well. We haven't done this yet, but I hope to.
Who else out there has raised beds? Any recommendations?
And a HUGE thanks to Barney for making all of this!
It wouldn't be possible without you!