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    Home » Garden » Structures

    More Raised Beds

    By: Leo · Updated: 20 Oct, '21 · This post may contain affiliate links · 17 Comments

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    I know it seems a bit early, but for the past few weeks I've been preparing our garden for spring planting. I removed the last of the fall plants (collards, cabbage, and broccoli.) Then I tilled in the leaves that I had spread in the areas that I intend to plant. I spent a whole day shoveling and spreading dried horse manure. And, of course, I sent off a soil sample to the county extension agency. They analyze the soil and send back recommendations. This is a must if you are going to plant a vegetable garden.

    Office redo 023

    I had promised my sister-in-law Jean that I would build her 2 raised beds in our garden. She has a green thumb and really enjoys growing things.  You may remember a post Jane did about her potting bench, if you missed it.

    I'm really sold on raised beds. Last spring we built 8 of them, and everything that we planted in them turned out in abundance. My brother Jim and I went to get the lumber.

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    I pulled out my tools,

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    dug the holes 2 feet deep,

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    and set the 4 ' corner posts in concrete.

    I let the concrete dry overnight and came back the next day to actually construct the raised beds.

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    While I was doing this, Lucy was digging her own holes in the garden.

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    Now that they were finished, Jim and Jean came with a truckload of  bags of soil.

    Office redo 052

    I like to put down a weed barrier before I add the mix of soil. Just make sure it's the kind that will allow the water to flow through. Proper drainage is important.

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    In order to grow healthy and productive vegetable plants, the mix of soil is crucial. Here's what I do. I use an equal blend of  Miracle Grow organic garden soil, Black Cow compost, and organic mushroom compost. It takes about 14-18 bags to fill a 4'x8' bed. And just before we plant, I'm going to add some of my own homemade compost. I call it "Black Gold" because it's magic.

    Office redo 049

    "All done, Jean. It's ready to plant."

    If you have a little space in your backyard, and you are serious about growing your own fresh vegetables, my step-by-step explanation of how to build your own raised beds is a perfect starting point.

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    1. Anita @ Cedar Hill

      January 30, 2012 at 11:06 am

      I would love to do this!! We're just not at the ranch enough to plant a garden and my city yard seems too small. Someday...

      Reply
    2. Ann

      January 28, 2012 at 7:34 pm

      Oh my goodness. I would love raised beds but there is no way I could do them myself...yours are better than Martha Stewart's! Well done Leo...tell Jane I said she was a lucky girl. :o)

      Reply
    3. Jean Windham

      January 28, 2012 at 2:55 pm

      Leo love the outfit. The beds look good too. I think Jean is fortunate to have you to help her with her beds. I wish I was there to help. You and Jane have been successful with your raised beds and I am sure Jean and Jim will also. Thanks for all the information. Jean

      Reply
    4. Ann

      January 28, 2012 at 9:48 am

      I have been asking my husband for several years to build us some raised beds. Maybe someday we will get it done. Looking forward to see what you raise!

      Reply
    5. dawn

      January 28, 2012 at 8:54 am

      Leo, I only used raised bed also. They are so much easier to keep weed free and look neater on the property. You go all out with a soil sample and all. Thanks for sharing:)

      Reply
    6. sue

      January 28, 2012 at 7:44 am

      i want more beds at my house! looks great you two! I did the same soil mix as you so I am keeping my fingers crossed!

      Reply
    7. PEGGY

      January 28, 2012 at 6:21 am

      SOME HOW THE REPLY WENT IN BEFORE i was finshedWhat I WANTED TO SAY WAS
      jealousy is a sin so I try not to be jealous of your weather especially this time of year

      Reply
    8. PEGGY

      January 28, 2012 at 6:19 am

      We are still growing snow we plant after may 24

      Reply
    9. Dolly Sarrio

      January 28, 2012 at 12:21 am

      Such a beautiful place. You put me to shame I have not done any work on my garden spot yet, yours looks great!

      Reply
    10. Barbara F.

      January 27, 2012 at 11:25 pm

      Wish you were my brother-in-law! Great job, Leo. xo

      Reply
    11. Vickie

      January 27, 2012 at 10:30 pm

      I am itching to start my garden, We are still harvesting brussell sprouts,lettuce and radishes.Are you planting english peas?

      Reply
      • leo

        January 27, 2012 at 10:54 pm

        Hi Vickie,
        We plant English peas around the end of February. Most people around here call them garden peas, but Jane calls them English peas they way you do.
        Leo

        Reply
    12. Gina

      January 27, 2012 at 9:19 pm

      There's nothing wrong with getting a jump start. How soon before you can start planting? I've never had a vegetable garden, although I've often thought of starting one.

      Reply
      • leo

        January 27, 2012 at 9:57 pm

        Hi Gina,
        We will plant potatoes, although not in the raised beds, around Valentine's Day. Then we'll plant garden and sugar snap peas near the end of February. We'll plant some things in the raised beds in March. If we have a frost after that, we can cover the raised beds with tarps to protect the tender plants.
        Leo

        Reply
    13. Lavender Dreams

      January 27, 2012 at 8:40 pm

      How nice it will be when it's time to plant! It's a great time to take advantage of the mild weather to get outside and work! Enjoy your weekend! ♥

      Reply
    14. Babs

      January 27, 2012 at 8:11 pm

      I'm impressed! Sending a soil sample to the County Extension Agent. I've never done that, which probably tells me why my veggie garden isn't as productive as it should be. I've never planted cold weather crops. I don't think it gets too cold here. Are you zone 8? We're zone 7b.
      Have fun and have a great weekend,
      Babs

      Reply
      • leo

        January 27, 2012 at 9:52 pm

        Hi Babs,
        We are in zone 8, but I'm sure you could plant some lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower in your area in September. We usually plant our fall garden Labor Day.
        Leo

        Reply

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