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[Raymond Zentz <rayzentz AT aim.com>]

excellent idea. I could even use brick to surround them. how do you handle 
drainage? holes in the bottom, with screens?




-----Original Message-----
From: Lynda <lurine AT com-pair.net>
To: homestead <homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Mon, Nov 14, 2011 1:40 pm
Subject: Re: [Homestead] Tis the Season


Ray, the most wonderful raised beds in the world are old freezers and 
ridges!  Bar none!  I put mine in groups of two with the ends facing each 
ther.  The soil warms up sooner, doesn't freeze as soon and uses less 
ater.
If you don't like the look of them, you can paint them (faux stone or brick 
ooks cool [super easy to do] and white picket fences on the brown, gold and 
reen ones) or you can run old cement board or siding or snow fencing also 
ake them more attractive.  Of course, if they are in a backyard, you'll see 
hem.
We are looking at espaliering fruit trees so we can get more in a smaller 
pace.
Lynda
---- Original Message ----- 
rom: "Raymond Zentz" <rayzentz AT aim.com>

 My knees don't allow me to do the constant bending and kneeling, so I am 
 planning on high raised beds. Trying to decide whether or not to use 
 wooden frames, or concrete. I realize that I would have to replace wooden 
 frames rather often, unless I use pressure treated wood. Any problems with 
 the chemicals leaching into soil? Would you all recommend concrete frames?

 Also, I have read some works by mittleider, regarding "growboxes". Are any 
 of you familiar with his work? if so, what are your thoughts?

 The lot has a big, totally overgrown apple tree that produced lots of 
 fruit this year. I will be rather severely pruning it this winter. The big 
 grapevine has grown right into it, so that needs serious cutting back, as 
 well.

 There is a peach tree, as well, but no fruit was on it. We did have a late 
 frost last spring, so that may have done it in.

 I am planning on 3 additional peach trees, 2 apricot, 2 cherry, 2 plum, 
 and 3 more apple trees. Maybe a pear or two, as well...

 a small orchard, but tending fruit trees does not require as much bending 
 and kneeling...   ;-)

 Ray
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