Well, we grew a ton of tomato from seed. We're trying to make sauces from them, and since we haven't done that before, we're probably going a little overboard with those - but they'll take up quite a bit of space in that bed. Also, there were some yellow squash that I couldn't fit in my space (though I'm the only one that likes to eat them). Some cut flowers, a ton of basil, some oregano, the few onions that survived aphidpalooza, and the fewer cabbage that are still kickin', and any other impulse buys from the farmer's market. I suppose that's it!
I did a similar design, how do you keep the wood from rotting out. my raised bed was toast after one year, first year blew out a few sections of panels as well.
We have made two long, rectangular, raised beds by laying 4"x4", treated lumber horizontally and stacked. We used overlapping method, reinforced with drilled holes and concrete rebar which we sledge-hammered through and into the ground. We topped them off with 2"8" seating all around. Quite expensive, but have lasted 5 years thus far, and I expect will last a lifetime.
To keep the panels from rotting (and in addition to pressure treated lumber - although care is required to ensure that the preservatives in the lumber don't leach into the soil) line the inside sides with landscape fabric.
Sealing the wood and applying 7 mil plastic fastened to the wood, sealed with silicone, and run buried at least 12" below exterior grade, left open at the bottom with sufficient drainage would extend the life of the box dramatically.
In Addition, one could put boards inside and outside of the studs like a traditional wall, and insulate the air space in between to keep the soil more viable for using the raised planters as small greenhouses to extend your grow seasons. Just an idea...
Love your raised garden. I'd like to build one but I'd most likely have to do it myself. My husband is not as handy as yours (but he cooks, cleans and does laundry!). Does your handyman have directions and a list of needed supplies?
Arsenic has not been used in PT wood for just over a decade now. The copper that they use will not harm you or your plants in any way. Use compost and compost tea and NOTHING else. Even "organic" pesticides/herbicides. Start your seeds in soil blocks and keep them watered. The unstressed plants will do great. If you have lots of bugs or weed pressure nature is telling you your soil is not right. Fix it with compost tea.
"Nature is not as complex as you think, it's more complex than you CAN think."
Great Design- I suppose the dimensions for the bed would be twice as wide as you can comfortably reach and high enough to defeat the rabbits and woodchucks. The overall dimensions should not exceed the space available. The keyhole slot should be wide enough to comfortably fit your wheelbarrow & lawnmower and be able to make the turn.
Oooooh.........Awwwwwww......very cool looking!
ReplyDeleteThe handyman is indeed handy!
Fancy schmancy! Can I borrow your handyman for a weekend or two? :)
ReplyDeleteWow - impressive :-) What are you planting in that bed???
ReplyDeleteWell, we grew a ton of tomato from seed. We're trying to make sauces from them, and since we haven't done that before, we're probably going a little overboard with those - but they'll take up quite a bit of space in that bed. Also, there were some yellow squash that I couldn't fit in my space (though I'm the only one that likes to eat them). Some cut flowers, a ton of basil, some oregano, the few onions that survived aphidpalooza, and the fewer cabbage that are still kickin', and any other impulse buys from the farmer's market. I suppose that's it!
ReplyDeleteI did a similar design, how do you keep the wood from rotting out. my raised bed was toast after one year, first year blew out a few sections of panels as well.
ReplyDeleteCedar boards. They are expensive, but will go on sale and will last for years.
DeleteWe have made two long, rectangular, raised beds by laying 4"x4", treated lumber horizontally and stacked. We used overlapping method, reinforced with drilled holes and concrete rebar which we sledge-hammered through and into the ground. We topped them off with 2"8" seating all around. Quite expensive, but have lasted 5 years thus far, and I expect will last a lifetime.
DeleteI lined my inside with a thick black plastic. It can be removed if needed. Also using PT lumber & PT ply board seems to be great for my Garden.
DeleteUse pressure treated lumber. Also, use wood deck screws rather than nails as they hold much better.
ReplyDeleteEducate me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't pressure treated wood leach harmful chemicals into the soil oved time?
ReplyDeleteGreat design, though!
Breck Cogdill
What were the dimensions of your planter?
ReplyDeleteI am looking to recreate for my garden but will be using cinder blocks. I love the design!
Thanks for this great design idea! I did the same design, but with cinder blocks. Can't wait to plant it!
ReplyDelete@brett cogdill. Chemicals in pressure treated wood leach down (vertically), not out. ( horizontally). They wouldn't get into the keyhole garden soil
ReplyDeleteTo keep the panels from rotting (and in addition to pressure treated lumber - although care is required to ensure that the preservatives in the lumber don't leach into the soil) line the inside sides with landscape fabric.
ReplyDeletelooks like a new project I found to tinker with
ReplyDeleteSealing the wood and applying 7 mil plastic fastened to the wood, sealed with silicone, and run buried at least 12" below exterior grade, left open at the bottom with sufficient drainage would extend the life of the box dramatically.
ReplyDeleteIn Addition, one could put boards inside and outside of the studs like a traditional wall, and insulate the air space in between to keep the soil more viable for using the raised planters as small greenhouses to extend your grow seasons. Just an idea...
ReplyDeleteLove your raised garden. I'd like to build one but I'd most likely have to do it myself. My husband is not as handy as yours (but he cooks, cleans and does laundry!). Does your handyman have directions and a list of needed supplies?
ReplyDeleteThat's impressive. A lot of work. At least everything will be tidy.
ReplyDeleteArsenic has not been used in PT wood for just over a decade now. The copper that they use will not harm you or your plants in any way. Use compost and compost tea and NOTHING else. Even "organic" pesticides/herbicides. Start your seeds in soil blocks and keep them watered. The unstressed plants will do great. If you have lots of bugs or weed pressure nature is telling you your soil is not right. Fix it with compost tea.
ReplyDelete"Nature is not as complex as you think, it's more complex than you CAN think."
Hey, would be great to get some dimensions for this amazing build.
ReplyDeleteGreat Design- I suppose the dimensions for the bed would be twice as wide as you can comfortably reach and high enough to defeat the rabbits and woodchucks. The overall dimensions should not exceed the space available. The keyhole slot should be wide enough to comfortably fit your wheelbarrow & lawnmower and be able to make the turn.
ReplyDeleteFantastic design! Few questions. How high did you feel the dirt? What is your sun exposure throughout the day?
ReplyDeleteI would never use treated wood or any plastic or pallets if it's for vegetables or fruit due to possible leaching of hazardous chemicals.
ReplyDeleteI love the pattern and the success of your "commentors". Did you ever release and dimensions/plans, I think it is fabulouso!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome design!Could I get some dimensions, so that I can recreate it?
ReplyDeletelooks like very nice blog
ReplyDeleteDaitsu AC Error Codes | Troubleshooting
Digital LED Code Failure Type-LED Code-Function Indicator (flash)
E0 Indoor and outdoor communication failure. Runn, timer – both eyelids.
EC outdoor communication failure. Runner Timer – Both blinked.
https://www.acerrorcode.hindustaniexpress.com/daitsu-ac-error-codes
Great information of 3 bhk flats these are the important for our luxury lifestyle and needs in the daily routine.keep doing sharing this type of informative updates. For more this type of interested information visit the 3 bhk apartments for sale
ReplyDeletepiramal mahalaxmi central tower
piramal mahalaxmi tower 3
piramal mahalaxmi amenities
sea view apartments in mumbai piramal mahalaxmi location