Homestead mailing list

[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

On Dec 11, 2008, at 9:13 PM, EarthNSky wrote:

> You know how James was talking about anticipating stuff?  Well, I was
> anticipating and preparing for a future without meds, a future  
> should I
> become disabled or in a wheelchair.  I could still garden from a  
> sitting
> position.  The distance between beds is about 38" at a minimum,  
> handicap
> accessible.  That was the reason for the height of the beds, but the
> reason for the beds themselves is that the soil here is rather rocky  
> and
> has worn out two tillers.  Plus, I wanted control of the watering.   
> If I
> intensively plant in the beds, I can make the best use of the water I
> have.

For desert gardeners for whom water is expensive, especially working  
with new beds of soil that is low in organic content, it must be noted  
that raised beds are likely to require more water. Raised beds usually  
percolate water more efficiently than native soil at ground level and  
therefore use more water to keep the root level moist. This rapid  
percolation can be alleviated by greatly increasing organic content  
but if organic materials must be purchased the cost may be onerous.