1. BED SPECIFICS

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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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”

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

10. Alternatives

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

12. 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