Raised bed

[longwinters]

Well I'm going to put in a small raised bed this weekend.  I'm thinking 12' x 4'.  Then I'll get plastic conduit and set them up hoop style every 3'.  I can put plastic over the top for the early season to start a few things before regular growing season (for us that it May 31st).   

It should be an interesting experiment.

Long

[streak]

Sounds like a winner!
High high will these be off of the ground?

[Old Syko]

Longwinters my FIL used to do just what you're talking about.  Built the raised bed and covered it with clear heavy plastic.  Early in the season while the surrounding ground was still much too cold he covered the whole thing with black plastic to preheat the ground.  Planted seeds and soon thereafter removed the black plastic.  If it turned off too cold the black went back on for a day or so.  He always had plants ready before everyone else and without the expense of a green house.

[longwinters]

I bought 2- 2x12x12's for the sides.  So I will fill them probably 8".  But it will rest on the ground.

Long

[keith44]

my onion, radish, carrot bed is what I call semi raised.  I used OSB scraps 4 feet long and 12 inches wide for the sides, and 6 feet long 12 inches wide for one end. The other end is uphill enough to be "ground level".  With this arrangement I have noticed that the higher raised end (down hill end) does indeed warm up quicker, but also dries out quicker.  I am putting more mulch (straw) on that end than the up hill or ground level end, for moisture control.  Just something to consider.

Keith

[longwinters]

I have a slight slope in my yard so it will be interesting to see what happens.  Course tomorrow we have a chance to get 4" of SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I gotta retire some year and move further south.

Long

[keith44]

Here's a couple shots of mine, got blocks around for support, and some effort at errosion control.

[charles p]

I live in a tidal area so my raised bed is elevated about 20".  My wife wanted me to extend it about 10' (down hill a few inches) so I calculated the amount of soil needed to keep it level, and it was an eye opener.  She then had the wise idea to build it up off the ground.  Needless to say, that idea died on the vine.  Only a woman can come up with that kind of rationale to get what she wants.  Amen.

Saw the pc with the cinder blocks.  At a former homesite I planted chives inside the holes of a couple of cinder blocks bordering a rased bed.  Very productive.  Guess the block leaches something the plant needs or the water stays in the hole, or something.  Don't overlook that space, and lay your blocks so you can plant inside the holes.

[longwinters]

That is certainly the key to growing veggies in small areas.  Experiment and use your space/opportunities creatively.  That is what I have been trying to do for several years.  Every tip is welcome.

Long