Why grow in Raised Garden Beds? What Size should I build a Raised Bed?

[NewEnglandgardening]

How old are your raised beds? Have you had to replace any yet due to rot or insect damage?

[growingyourgreens]

they are 2 years old. I have not had to replace any due to rot. see watch?v=zuMznPX89rw for further information.

[bluesdog88]

Just wondering why I dont see more raised beds made of bricks or masonary blocks, surely they would be more permanent, wont rot etc

[SnowKitingVegan]

thanks. Amazing!

[screamingfatrat]

Your garden looks like it cost loads of money. If you didn't have a fancy drip system wouldn't the beds dry out? I'm not being critical - I think it's great what you've done and I totally agree with the fresh food. I have an allotment in the UK and the idea is to do things as cheaply as possible, as the cost implications out ways going to the supermarket and buying food. Buying in tonnes of compost and using Cedar wood, rather than old crate pallets (though professional) comes at a cost.

[cortezcortez007]

This is really encouraging. I'm a new raw foodist and cost of good produce was definately a major concern but I see the potential of not just cutting that cost but eliminating it altogether. So like BuddyClub I'm anxious to see your video on harvest and storage. Thanks a ton keep the video coming. Very helpful!!

[zekehooper]

John, maybe you could show us some recipes for all the vegies? I know you eat raw but don't you "mix and matck"?

[mreisma]

i gotta question, who are all those people working on the beds?

[loui0008]

Fantastic, John, I can't wait to start container gardening - in the spring. I have a terrace attached to the flat where I presently live, but zero sun in winter cause of big buildings close by. Gotta find a house and some land!

[BuddyClubGardening]

John-

How do you save/store your harvests? It sure looks to me like you get a massive amount out of your gardens. Other than extended storage abilities in plants (carrots,garlic) I am interested in how you store some of the more delicate greens like lettuce. How did the fungus problem go with your bed?

[growingyourgreens]

I will make a video on harvests and storing..I thought about that tonight before I read your comment.. In a nutshell. I strive not to store anything. Nature is the storehouse. I leave things growing until I need them. From the moment something is harvested, nutrition goes down. so only pick what you need and use it at that time. tonight for dinner was tree collards yum. I grazed on lettuce for lunch. I eat LOTS of fruits and veggies in my diet, and Juicing and Blending uses lots of produce.

[VivianRinSC]

You've made some excellent points! I'm in about the same zone as you and my beds are only up 16" tall. Have 3 so far and only one has compost in it and the other two aren't completely finished yet. I need a Sage here! lol. I think I'll start seeds sooner than recommended since my plants are raised.

Keep up the vids, I learn so much from you.

[rawutah]

Fantastic!

[amphaynes]

man i dont even know where to start, but i am gonna watch all your vids to get an idea so i can at least grow a few things to begin with. great info you are providing. i gotta figure out what goes good here in TX

[desertcajun10]

Great video. Thank you again.

Have you considered any other homesteading projects, such as bees or chickens? I have been doing a lot of research on bees and it seems to be good for the garden, plus you get honey and other products from the hive.

[growingyourgreens]

Bees are coming soon :) in a top bar hive :)

[jihadacadien]

I got a question! Do you feed your family year 'round with your garden?...and like what % thanks

[growingyourgreens]

The percentages changes with the seasons. Some days in the summer are 100% home grown food. In summer, I average 80%. Now days about 40 % with it being winter time and things grow much slower. Waitng for more fruit trees to mature to increase the percentage.

[jihadacadien]

@growingyourgreens That's beautiful! ever though of freezing some produce for the winter ?

[jihadacadien]

Can't wait to make raised bed but I need to buy a trailer ;)...again your garden looks great! Great awnsers btw

[rskurow]

We are in the desert. Raised beds ( & containers) work great for us. Our system is a little different from yours because we have much different conditions here. We keep our beds no wider than 4 feet, that way we can easily reach into the beds from either side. Your garden is great, your videos are great, thanks!

[Necrowitch]

yeah, weeding is the reason I decided to make a raised bed. plus I learn best by watching people do stuff. I think your channel is great! I really need the exposure to your variety of gardening so It can become a reality in my yard! =^-^=