Gardening

Studies have shown that raised beds yield 1.5-2 times as much as regular gardens, plus with the many advantages of raised beds we're trying several crops we've never tried before in this garden, like beans (kidney), peas (snow and snap), or haven't tried for a long time like sweet potatoes. The advantages of raised beds are: better drainage so roots can breathe better, soil that doesn't compact as much from being walked on so plants can be spaced closer together which increases yield per square foot, plus keeps weeds to a minimum. Raised beds bring structure to the garden, which is aesthetically pleasing and just makes it more fun to work in the garden. They extend your growing season by several weeks at the beginning and end of the season. With cinder blocks you can walk amongst the plants without getting muddy shoes!

The outside dimension of each individual bed as configured here is: 15'8"L x 5'3"W x 12" H or 4 blocks wide by 12 blocks long. The blocks are 8" x 8" x 16" nominal, slightly smaller actual.

Note: To those of you just putting in new beds, definitely consider putting a wire mesh barrier at the bottom of the bed, at least in those you anticipate growing root crops like carrots or potatoes -- moles and gophers love them!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• raised
• bed
• gardening
• pecan
• tree
• fig
• kiwi
• spearmint
• kidney
• beans
• snow
• peas
• snap
• strawberries
• carrots
• sweet
• potatoes
• squash
• tomatoes
• asparagus
• peppers
• eggplant
• blackberries
• grapes
• horseradish
• coriander
• cilantro
• chives
• rosemary
• oregano
• tarragon
• clematis

[CliffKFF]

blocks are not painted

[nickharvey7]

Looks like a beautiful garden!!

[CliffKFF]

Thank you! I've been enjoying your videos as well -- fascinating theories, and very illuminating graphics.

[Yewtoobnube]

Hey...very very impressive. I really like your raised beds. Not only extremely functional, but you've taken the time and effort to make them look nice as well. Way to go. Looks like I may have to head out and start gathering cement blocks!

[CliffKFF]

it might be a little late for this growing season depending on where you are and how long your season is there, but definitely a great time to start for next spring

[CyberCacique1]

Very nice! In regards to the cinder blocks for the raised beds, did you just line them up on the ground and check w/a level? Did you use any type of material underneath the blocks? Sand or anything like that?

Thanks

[CliffKFF]

no foundation or sand per se for under the blocks, although i did use sifted fill dirt that had a lot of sand in it, plus soil that was in the garden already (its sandy soil), and I did wind up getting a tamper (8 inch x 8 inch) to solidify the ground -- that sped things up quite a bit, then used mason's string for an even shape and a level as you guessed.

[insomniacgrace]

Thanks for sharing this. This is so interesting. Indeed, impressive. 

[crewlla]

you can use treated wood. the company has been around for more then 55 years and there has been no one effected by the treated wood. if you are a little worried you can use weed block around the inside of the raised bed. However, you will never be able to call your self organic gardener. really though its up to the gardener what they use.

[TnWormsCastings]

all i can say is wow

[jbarkerrdh]

Are your blocks painted?

[BetterGetReady]

I'm going to have my first garden this year. This looks like a great idea, I'm glad I found the video. You can sit on the blocks you have scattered as you weed the beds, easier on the back. I see your video is a couple of years old but could you tell me the cost of just one of the beds? I've heard someone else say it could be expensive but like you said woods rots fairly quick. I am very impressed with your garden, it looks so neat and efficient. I could build one this year and add to it in the