Raised bed layout plans9/19/2023 Use 3-inch galvanized screws, rather than nails, in construction. When constructing a wooden frame, install support stakes halfway down the length of the bed to prevent the wood from bowing after it is filled with soil. A maximum width of 4 feet is a good choice for adult gardeners. Avoid wood containing copper sulfate, creosote, cuprinol, or compounds containing penta chlorophenol, which can be toxic to plants. Note: Do not use pressure-treated wood or railroad ties for your raised bed garden. These rot-resistant woods are more expensive but are long-lasting and safe. Use untreated hardwood planks of black locust, cedar, Osage orange, redwood, or oak. Matting can then be covered with bark or wood chips in the paths and with clean, imported garden soil in the beds. If there is reason to suspect contamination of the native soil, special soil tests may be required, and care must be taken to cover the soil in both the beds and the walking paths with heavy matting to prevent disturbing or exposing the contaminated material. Line the bed with hardware cloth to prevent burrowing animals like groundhogs from damaging crops. They can be constructed using several types of building materials including wood, synthetic lumber, brick, or stone. ![]() Raised beds can vary in size depending on the location but they are typically 8 to 12 inches high to allow for adequate root development. Stake out the beds with garden twine to establish the outer dimensions of the beds and the paths between them. Shortest crops can occupy the southern end. When incorporating a trellis for vine crops such as cucumbers, beans, or grapes, run it east/west, and locate it at the northern end of the bed. Determine the north/south axis of the site and lay out the beds either in a north/south or east/west direction, not on a diagonal. ![]() Locate beds so that plants receive maximum sunlight and do not shade each other. Note: Do not install a raised bed near black walnut trees, as they produce a toxin that will inhibit growth of vegetables, particularly tomatoes. If necessary, remove lower limbs on nearby trees for added light. When growing vegetables, site the bed in area that receives at least six hours of sunlight. Raised beds built at the proper height are ideal for individuals with physical limitations. Other benefits include a longer growing season, better soil structure and improved drainage. Raised beds create garden space where useable area is limited or soil is contaminated.
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