Raised beds are a great way to introduce the whole family to the joys of gardening in the comforts of your backyard. Assembly and maintenance are a breeze and vegetables you receive from all your hard work are the best rewards.
Materials needed for a 4′x12′ Raised bed:
2- 2x12x12′ Pressure Treated Boards
1- 2x12x8′ Pressure Treated Boards
6- 2′ 2×4 Treated wooden stakes
1/2 lb.- 12d Galvanized Nails or 3″ Deck Screws
**24 Cinder blocks in place of the treated wood can be used
2- Yards of Planting mix
1- Alfalfa Humate
1- Chicken Manure
1-Cow Manure
2 lbs- Agricultural Lime
4 lbs- Growers Special or Garden-tone (organic)
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The boxes in our demonstration garden were oriented on the site for walkways and sunlight.
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Each box was simply nailed together, squared and leveled. Stakes were driven in at the corners and half way along the the long lengths to prevent them from bulging.
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Breaking surface tension of the soil in the bottom of the box, by lightly tilling or with a spading fork, will help with drainage. Then add soil and amendments. (Note: the addition of 3.8 cu.ft. of peat moss will help with moisture retention). Mix the amendments throughout the bed. At this point, drip irrigation will be installed. Plastic or organic mulch applied at time of planting. Plant, water, fertilize, and pick.