I've had about 50 raised beds pinned on pinterest before I even considered building one myself. I told my dad (he's a wood working genius!) about my plans to get some advice on what kind of wood to buy. He suggested recycling an old shelf that he's had in his workshop for years. It's genius - he cut all the pieces and we assembled it in my garage. It only took us about 45mins. The holes are great for drainage. I've considered painting it but I haven't found any natural paint in a bright color I liked yet.
My mom helped me fill it. We used branches for the bottom (we found them in the garden) and I bought four bags of soil. I'll add some compost on top for manuring sometime soon.
The first plants I planted were some basil and a zucchini plant that I planted in a tiny greenhouse on my windowsill.
Last week I bought a couple of tomato plants and a strawberry plant. I'll plant most of the tomato plants in containers so I can put them in my basement when it's super rainy/windy.
The raised bed is at the back of the house (facing south so there's lots of sunshine!) and it's pretty much impossible to see unless you go to the small part of the garden where the clothes lines are. Many people told me about strangers stealing their fruits/veggies so I'm really glad my little garden can't be seen from the street :)
Let's hope the great weather keeps up for a little bit longer so my plants get to make themselves at home before the rain comes back again.
I've wanted a raised bed for some time, but it hasn't happened. I like the idea of putting branches in the bottom - genius!
ReplyDeleteI've heard that people steal veggies and flowers from gardens in this area.
It's very sad that strangers think they can just steal other people's plants. I hope your little plants make it!
ReplyDeleteOh great plant choices, you are going to have a blast with this! Raised beds are also the best way to go, you can keep a lot of weed problems at bay that way. I also love your pink Toms.
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