How tall should I build my Raised Bed Garden? How high should the soil be?
John from www.growingyourgreens.com answers the question how high should I build my raised bed vegetable garden. John shares his experiences growing in different height raised beds. Learn which size is best after watching this show.
25 Responses to How tall should I build my Raised Bed Garden? How high should the soil be?
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I had to deal with those too and am adding 1/2″ hardware cloth to the bottom; for trees/bushes like artichokes you can build a cage around the roots.
UnoRaza
October 19, 2012 at 10:21 pm
John, what if you are building the beds to protect from gophers/voles? Would they need to be deeper because the plants aren’t growing into the ground?
donnerbrandpears
October 19, 2012 at 10:56 pm
It’s not the same as planting above soil, but I went with 12″ on a rooftop garden and it was ok, but not ideal for certain plants. The tomato plants pulled the cages right out of the bed, I figure I need about an extra 4 inches minimum so I’ll probably add an extra 2×6 around the top of the bed to make it taller for next season.
MrChip123472
October 19, 2012 at 11:26 pm
wow.. thats a really great idea and in time the hay turns to compost! So cool. thanks.
superslyfoxx1
October 19, 2012 at 11:42 pm
Hi John, It me Jon lol.. Anyway I live in texas and was wondering if you could do a video on growing strawberries, grapes, and blackberries. For some reason I havent seen the begin to sprout although I just recently decided to plant them within a 3wk period. It said on packaged directions that there should be some result within 7-15 days..
scorio23
October 20, 2012 at 12:32 am
just curious. why is there toxic soil?
crv26
October 20, 2012 at 12:45 am
My raised beds will be at least 3-4 feet high because I do not want to bend my back at all…just fill the bottom half with straw or hay, so the beds are not that heavy or expensive to fill and if the roots grow below the soil (rare in my case), they can grow into the hay.
Daniela de Kervor
October 20, 2012 at 12:49 am
I have a somewhat larger raised garden in my sloping back yard and have trouble with tree roots. I have several large oaks about 20 feet from my garden. I want to move to smaller 4x8x12″ raised beds. What do you suggest to keep the tree roots out, or should I not worry about it. Thanks!
cegray40
October 20, 2012 at 1:26 am
You have such great vids! Thanks for all this advice and info 🙂
Ferretocious
October 20, 2012 at 2:21 am
its possible to do raise bed with old car tires? have you try it?
rkarmen1000
October 20, 2012 at 2:59 am
where can you buy organic compost?
WAXTHEFUR
October 20, 2012 at 3:11 am
Never underestimate your root system!!!!
rocbola
October 20, 2012 at 3:52 am
Those tall raised beds would be GREAT from my grandpa. He’s 75yr and has been gardening sing he was 7. He’s older now and get get about like he used to, he cant get on his knees and bend over and work a garden like he use too. With those tall beds like that he could stand there and do everything he needs to do by sitting it a chair or standing up.. Thanks for the idea, i am going to build him something like this.
korfx04
October 20, 2012 at 4:00 am
THANKS
jcreedd
October 20, 2012 at 4:00 am
It would be easier to grow potatoes in “raised beds” by growing them in old tires from the landfill. First tire–fill with soil & compost; add spuds. As they grow, add another tire and more soil. You can go 3-5 tires high. At harvest, remove tires one at a time; shovel the soil onto a compost pile. Old leaves or hay can be used instead of, or in addition to, the soil. Drill holes into the bottom of the tires (close to the sidewalls) to ensure proper drainage, if desired.
freedomlovelydovey
October 20, 2012 at 4:22 am
You can screw vertical boards to the inside of the bed every few feet on the long sides–make sure they’re tall enough to connect all of the horizontals; space them equidistant on both long sides. Add cross-braces near the top of the boards using metal strips; also at midpoint if beds are very tall. Cut a metal strap to length and screw it to the side of your vertical board on each side of the bed to connect the two long sides of the bed; repeat for each vertical board set.
freedomlovelydovey
October 20, 2012 at 4:25 am
He’s using cedar; it’s naturally rot-and-insect-resistant and lasts 10-20 years (maybe more), depending on climate. If lined with landscaping fabric, it may last even longer.
freedomlovelydovey
October 20, 2012 at 4:33 am
I am still in the planning stage and need suggestions to keep my beds from bowing as you mentioned in this video. I like that your beds are tall enough that you don’t have to kneel to work them so I know I want my beds to be tall also, so how do I prevent them from bowing?
jcreedd
October 20, 2012 at 5:09 am
Potato raised beds? Best to stack boards and build up as you cover them with more dirt or use chicken wire? Anybody tried it for spuds?
scottj719
October 20, 2012 at 5:51 am
Excellent thank you!
pxldnky
October 20, 2012 at 6:25 am
this guy knows what he is talking about. thumbs up
David Nguyen
October 20, 2012 at 7:07 am
All my beds are made of cedar wood.
growingyourgreens
October 20, 2012 at 7:15 am
Thanks for all this great info! Should definitely help in getting started. The wood on these front beds is so pretty! What kind is it?
Jenn Marcil
October 20, 2012 at 7:56 am
I built a raised bed in my back yard about 3′ x 35′ x 4′ then I came to the conclusion that compost is expensive what do you think about using horse manure to fill it or maybe at least the bottom half so I can get my plants out of pots and into the ground
MarshmallowVogt
October 20, 2012 at 8:14 am
Sorry about running on but I keep watching and learning
MarshmallowVogt
October 20, 2012 at 8:35 am