BED SPECIFICS

BUILDING A RAISED BED Why raised beds? Drainage Irrigation Portability Pest Control Accessibility Avoids soil compaction Ownership of bed defined

ACCESSIBILITY – RAISED BEDS Optimum bed should be 24” inches high. Beds should be narrow. 24” from the path edge to the center is ideal.

Length of the beds may be any convenient size. Pathways should be 5’ wide 5’ allow people and materials to move around more easily

Do Not use Railroad Ties EDGE MATERIALS Do Not use Railroad Ties Redwood and cedar are good options due to longer life and insect repellant. Railroad ties, treated wood and pine are not good options Do Not use Railroad Ties

Raised Beds with Stone Sides More thought needs to go into placement of permanent beds such as these. It is not possible to move them. Light and irrigation sources need to be considered. Light would be that of the season as well as the time of day

THERE ARE MANY POSSIBILITIES Lots of materials can be used in raised beds. The beds don’t necessarily have to be permanent. Work with what you have available to you

Enclosed Raised Beds Some gardeners also use cloth mesh for insect control. Keep in mind that this will keep out beneficials as well. This is discussed thoroughly in our second presentation of “Sustaining a School Garden”

Some Shape Ideas Use your imagination. Many shapes are quite workable

Alternatives

Galvanized Oval Stock Tank, 2 ft. W x 1 ft. H x 4 ft. L

POSSIBLE PATH MATERIALS DG with or without pea gravel Straw Mulch or bark For handicapped use – I recommend using DG. Less desireable materials are mulch, gorilla hair, gravel