How tall should I build my Raised Bed Garden? How high should the soil be?

[jcreedd]

I am still in the planning stage and need suggestions to keep my beds from bowing as you mentioned in this video. I like that your beds are tall enough that you don't have to kneel to work them so I know I want my beds to be tall also, so how do I prevent them from bowing?

[freedomlovelydovey]

@jcreedd You can screw vertical boards to the inside of the bed every few feet on the long sides--make sure they're tall enough to connect all of the horizontals; space them equidistant on both long sides. Add cross-braces near the top of the boards using metal strips; also at midpoint if beds are very tall. Cut a metal strap to length and screw it to the side of your vertical board on each side of the bed to connect the two long sides of the bed; repeat for each vertical board set.

[jcreedd]

@freedomlovelydovey THANKS



[scottj719]

Potato raised beds? Best to stack boards and build up as you cover them with more dirt or use chicken wire? Anybody tried it for spuds?

[freedomlovelydovey]

@scottj719 It would be easier to grow potatoes in "raised beds" by growing them in old tires from the landfill. First tire--fill with soil & compost; add spuds. As they grow, add another tire and more soil. You can go 3-5 tires high. At harvest, remove tires one at a time; shovel the soil onto a compost pile. Old leaves or hay can be used instead of, or in addition to, the soil. Drill holes into the bottom of the tires (close to the sidewalls) to ensure proper drainage, if desired.

[pxldnky]

Excellent thank you!

[casulamall]

this guy knows what he is talking about. thumbs up

[jamarcil]

Thanks for all this great info! Should definitely help in getting started. The wood on these front beds is so pretty! What kind is it?

[growingyourgreens]

All my beds are made of cedar wood.

[MarshmallowVogt]

I built a raised bed in my back yard about 3' x 35' x 4' then I came to the conclusion that compost is expensive what do you think about using horse manure to fill it or maybe at least the bottom half so I can get my plants out of pots and into the ground

[MarshmallowVogt]

Sorry about running on but I keep watching and learning

[MarshmallowVogt]

John what is the deal with rock dust you are addicted to rock every video you talk about adding rock dust but whoever I talk to about rock dust seems to be clue less don't get me wrong obviously your garden is awesome everything looks great wish I could try some of your tree kale but anyways if you have good fertile compost /soil why do you need rock just complaining cause I can only buy it online and shipping sucks

[Buccaneerfan13]

Alright john, how do you keep the lumber from wrotting or termites? You said in another video not to use treated wood, so do you have problems with this?

[freedomlovelydovey]

@Buccaneerfan13

He's using cedar; it's naturally rot-and-insect-resistant and lasts 10-20 years (maybe more), depending on climate. If lined with landscaping fabric, it may last even longer.

[ortonmom]

John

you have been ssoooo encouraging. my husband and I just completed the construction of 2- 4X10X 23" beds. We made the beds this high because of contaminates in our soil. I have a few questions:

1. Would you add rocks for drainage?

2. Do you need to line the beds so the soil does not seap through?

Thanks

Peggy

[growingyourgreens]

1. I did not add rocks for drainage. I would not recommend it.

2. I did not line my beds, and do not think it is necessary. I did cardboard sheet mulching before adding the soil. In your case, due to the contaminents, you may want to line your beds.

[eyesonmedia]

Why not use concrete blocks?

[RickandLucy]

Texas A & M university ag says that research shows the new pressure-treated wood is safe for food gardens.

[bankruptstate]

"Handy-dandy" love it :) !

Love the way the tape measure twangs- back also...very useful video. Thanks .

[evergreenjaxs]

how should one deal with tree roots that come up into the raised bed,ei native pine,cedar,oak,fir.They are 25ft away or more & i still have plenty of sunlight for the garden & does well,but those roots keep coming back finger&pencil thick

[AngelaBo1]

I am making our one high as we have bad backs.

[TheUrbanOutdoors]

great info....you are about to master status, and maybe already

[BikeManDan1]

Are your raised beds open bottom? I think that's an important distinction.

I'm growing in Emeryville so have to contend with toxic soil (heavy metals) and open bottom is out of the question

[growingyourgreens]

Yes, they are open bottom. I did cardboard sheet mulching on the bottom of the beds.

[M145t0237]

Vegetables can leach the chemicals out from the wood but I know that they then store the chemicals in their leaves and not fruits. Would it be safe to plant and eat greens from a raised bed made of pressure treated wood

[growingyourgreens]

Im not qualitified to answer that question from a scientific standpoint. From a personal standpoint, I would not grow anything in pressure treated wood and eat it. Im sure far worse goes on with "conventional" agriculture (ie:toxins, resides), so its always "good..better.. best".

[growingyourgreens]

I chose to use redwood and cedar wood (untreated) and I know it will rot, but that what wood does, and when it does, I will replace it. Might be more expensive in the long run, but my health is worth it. Better to grow your own then buy conventional even if in PT wood. Try to isolate it with something. Plastic is cheap? I did isolate the PT wood my neighbor sunk in on the 4x4 the posts on the back fence with ceramic tiles, so it would not touch my soil.

[zekehooper]

I finally saw the vid and it was great. Loved how you talked about the root system. Glad to also hear you are going to do a show on rock dust.  Great info.

[halleysmommy]

I've never really thought much abt the depth of veggie roots. Interesting. I think the one thing I like abt the height of your beds tho is actually the lack of bending and leaning you do. If they were just 12" off the ground, you would do a lot more un-intended yoga poses!!

[growingyourgreens]

Ahh. Yes. Bending is good for us! We all need to remain flexible and bend.

[Praxxus55712]

Those are some impressive kale! Holy cow! Great job. :)

I'm more a proponent of forcing the veggies to send out deep roots. It helps them withstand wind, heavy rains and dry spells better as well as support larger yields. Both methods are fine though. You grow a mean garden John! Very cool.

[vnswamy2008]

hi nice videos.i cant wait for the next. Just curious what are those pvc structures over the raised bed in front garden?

[growingyourgreens]

They were used for a hoop house (I have a epsiode on that) and also the framing for the trelis. (It did not support weight that well, and I dont reccomend for this use)

[OS253]

@vnswamy2008: Me too. I can't wait for the next episode. He's going to teach us how to plant vegetables on our patio or balcony if we live in an apartment in the city.

[LaglivaChannel]

I like your garden concept. It's definitely uncommon to see such a nice garden in the front of a home. Cool.

[zekehooper]

I don't know what the problem is, but I am unable to watch the vid? I could watch the one where you did the tour. I think it is you tubes problem. Maybe later I can watch it?

[growingyourgreens]

during the first hour after the video is uploaded, sometimes it doesnt work, and/or the quality is poor. It should be working now.