Homestead mailing list

[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

On Nov 14, 2011, at 1:32 PM, Raymond Zentz wrote:

> 
> 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?

Ray, here was my answer a couple years ago. This raised bed is near perfect 
as well as aesthetically pleasing:
http://www.ruralize.com/Genes%20Projects/ferrocement/ferrocement%20garden%20bed.html

but it was a lot of work. So for the next bed I am building thin ferro 
"planks" two feet by eight feet, building them on top of foundation forms 
sitting on concrete block supports so I can work at waist height. I've been 
drawn from that project by an addition to the house, but it is a good, 
simple, long-lasting design, though not nearly so pretty. The biggest 
challenge has been moving the finished planks from the work area to the 
garden bed area. So I think I will move the construction site to the side of 
the bed.

I will add that the big ferro bed is this winter topped with a simple hoop 
cover, with carrots, spinach and other salad stuff planted. Once high wall 
are built, adding a hoop cover is easy.

I would not use pressure-treated anything in my garden. The other eight beds 
are a combination of logs and planks, all expected to rot away, to be 
replaced one at a time as I perfect the ferro wall approach. I like logs but 
they make for thick walls that must be reached across to tend the plants.

Each garden is unique in climate, weather, soil, drainage, solar, critters 
and other challenges, such as walnut trees killing plants via juglone, which 
is why I made a concrete floor in this first ferro bed. So, too, each 
gardener's abilities and funds budgeted to the garden. Do what feels right 
for you.

Gene
www.ruralize.com

> 
> 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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