Monday, November 10, 2008

Raised Garden Beds

I just put my garden to rest for the winter, but it's never to early to start building your beds. I personally order my beds to be custom built by a local architect.
I make him go out to the pile of debris that was once a shed until a big wind done knocked that shed right on its keester. That world famous architect caresses each piece of lumber until he finds just the right one to salvage for our beds.


This is what he came up with this year, he's a genius. And did I mention it was free?




Here's the raised bed I built today and just for kicks I threw in some green lettuce. Hahahahahahhaaaa! Oh, slay me.



Honestly, these are the raised beds built by a group of Kansas Master Gardeners at their community education garden. It makes my garden look like, well, crap on a stick. Um, Mr. World Famous Architech? Yeah, uh, make me some like this okay?


I've been using raised beds in my garden for several years. The building of the frame is the most work you will do in your garden the entire season. I like them because there is little to no weeding, they retain moisture better and they drain excess water better row gardening. And aren't they pretty? Oh, and you always have a little ledge to sit on when you go out to the garden. Don't you love a ledge to sit on in the garden when your hot and sweaty? Me too.

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You can make a mix of 1/3 compost, 1/3 top soil and 1/3 peat moss to have a deliciously fertile soil. Or you can do what my neighbor, Ramone, does and add a little sand and "getchoo some lime" to mix it with your soil. Ramone swears by sand and lime and who am I to argue with a man that grows sweet potatoes the size of my 4yo's head? I swear he told me to "getchoo some lime an some san" at least eight hundred times this summer. I love Ramone. Next year I'm going to listen to him.

14 comments:

Rhea said...

I love the idea of raised beds. Yours look good! I'm thinking Clay is working on them?!

Tiffany T said...

Are you telling me your arse can fit on that tiny, little ledge? Forget gardening! Tell me how you do THAT?! The raised beds are gorgeous.

Shelley said...

Is Ramone the guy with the cows? I'm not sure I'd listen to a guy who can't figure out how to build a fence.

Southern Gal said...

They look awesome! I love sitting on a ledge when I'm sweaty outside. And yours do not look like crap on a stick - especially when you figure in that they were FREE! When something is free, it's attractiveness goes way up - unless of course we're talking about the junk I tend to collect when people are giving crap away. Then it's just crap on a stick. Oh heck, I don't even know what I'm talking about.

Anonymous said...

The raised beds are looking good. One thing leads to another though. Soon you'll be stepping it up a notch to grow something in 'em year 'round.

My dh, who is not an architect but is still pretty good with a hammer, built cloche boxes to cover (some of) my raised beds so I can have my winter lettuce. He used free windows but had to buy good wood to hold the things together. The last set, made with free wood, got worn out. This time he came up with a better design where I can raise the side windows to reach inside to harvest my crop.

Gardening. It's an addiction.

Sandy said...

Yes to what Clay said above! I was going to comment on how fabulous these look -- and that lettuce!! As always ... thanks for the humor. See my cold frames at Love Cook Create Knit. Gardening is an addiction. Well, especially when you learn that you can grow your own greens in the dead of winter! (I'm over here in New England ... brrrrrr)Be well. -Sandy

Sharon said...

I think she straddles that wood to get a mother of all wedgies. ;)

Kim said...

Gardening is sort of more a spectator sport for me; I love looking at other people's gardens but am too intimidated to do one myself. Well, for vegetables, anyway. Yours looks amazing!

I've finally finished reading all your archives - now what am I going to do with msyelf? On the days you don't post, I find I am not as happy as on the days you do. I am a certified April-fan(atic).

Suzanne said...

The beauty of raised beds is that you don't have to bend over so far to harvest! That's the word from this 60-year old.

Listen to Ramone because he knows what he's talking about. Soil is a living organisim.

- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

jean said...

If I send you the seeds, sand and lime will you grow some veggies for me? Please? Only our front yard gets sunlight and while the neighbors put up with my basil they probably wouldn't like a full garden. Just let me know...

Karen Deborah said...

For years I have been trying to get the old farmer I'm married too to do this. He doesn't got for the idea. They are fantabolus.

Irma said...

Square foot gardening RULES. I have several friends who used to keep traditional gardens, who I have converted to square foot'ing. They are always amazed by how much easier and more productive this method is. Your photos are great testimonials, thanks for sharing! Can't wait to get planting again next spring....

Egghead said...

I love Ramone. He must be a hoot to live by. Great job on the beds using stuff you already have. Works doesn't it? Can't beat free.

Labyrinth's Muse said...

If you love raised bed gardening check out my parents website. My dad developed some raised beds and soil for gardening on any surface. All organic and practically weed free. www.gardeningrevolution.com

I would love to see what you think?

Suz ;)