The Dirt's Raised Garden Bed
Photo: Fritz Lenneman
Here are some photos from my most recent weekend project. The weather was nice in Chicago, getting all the way up to the 60s with warm sun, so we decided it was time to raise our garden beds.
The day started in our hardware store's lumber department. We purchased enough 1"x6" pieces of cedar—not pressure treated; a chemical in that process is harmful to plants—to make three 50-inch by 50-inch boxes.
The day started in our hardware store's lumber department. We purchased enough 1"x6" pieces of cedar—not pressure treated; a chemical in that process is harmful to plants—to make three 50-inch by 50-inch boxes.
Photo: Fritz Lenneman
After my wife cleared out some of the waste, I dug a few inches into the ground to give the wood frames a subterranean foundation. We placed the frames down and spread the soil evenly inside each box.
Photo: Fritz Lenneman
Here is another view of the beds, facing south. The boxes are still relatively unfilled, because we haven't added any new soil yet.
Photo: Fritz Lenneman
We placed bricks between each of the raised beds for easier access—without having to step all over the soil—to the deepest reaches of each beds.
Plus, I just like the way it looks.
Plus, I just like the way it looks.
Photo: Fritz Lenneman
Though it's still weeks until the date of last frost in Chicago, we've got our first seeds in the ground! Arugula supposedly thrives in the cool temperatures.
Is this ridiculously early and hopeful? I guess we'll find out.
Is this ridiculously early and hopeful? I guess we'll find out.
Photo: Fritz Lenneman
The tangle of weeds, organic matter and drifted garbage left after our first day back in the garden. So satifsying to get it out of there.
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How does your garden grow? Check out The Gardening Club
Read more from The Dirt blog
How does your garden grow? Check out The Gardening Club
Published 03/12/2009