I'm new to gardening and mostly have a background in woodworking. I'm currently in the design phase of my garden and seeking advice on a few different aspects. I plan to build several raised beds, around two feet high, with various shapes to fit the space I have. I've set up a short chicken wire fence around the area and covered it with rocks, which I want to move to the pathways between the beds. I usually use cloth to prevent soil from seeping through the wooden layers—should I worry about that? I'm looking into getting soil from a local nursery or delivery by dump trailer.
I also want to install a gutter system on my shed with a rain barrel for watering. Does anyone have experience with a rain barrel connected to a gravity-fed hose and spigot? I'm planning to elevate the barrel above the raised beds for better drainage. Additionally, I'm curious about other watering methods besides hoses and am looking for helpful charts on companion planting, spacing, planting schedules, or general maintenance tips for vegetables. We've been eager to tackle this garden for years but had hesitations. Now, we're ready to construct the beds and want to avoid mistakes and overcrowding as we begin this project.
2 Answers
From my experience, plant roots hold the soil in place in raised beds. I prefer using uniform sizes for my beds; it makes managing things like crop cages easier. For example, I keep my beds at three feet wide so I can comfortably reach the center. While I do have one large circular bed for herbs, I suggest sticking with similar sizes overall. Also, consider your space carefully—if your shed casts shade, particularly in the morning, you might need to think about planting more shade-tolerant crops in that area. Good luck!
What width boards did you use for your beds? I'm deciding between 2x6, 2x8, or 2x10.
Just dive in and get your hands dirty! Gardening is about learning through experimentation and enjoying the process. Seed packets usually have good spacing tips—I'd suggest giving a bit more space than recommended. Depending on your area, you can find useful planting calendars online. If you’re in the St. Louis area, there’s a local seed company with great resources! For drip irrigation, I’ve had a good experience with dripworks.com and their customer service. Don’t forget to experiment with companion planting—it can be hit or miss, but it’s super fun! For example, beets and tomatoes work well together, while carrots and tomatoes do not.
Thanks! I realize I've been overthinking starting out, so I'll build one or two beds and expand later. Do you know any good online or local places to buy seeds or plants?
Thanks for the advice! I agree on keeping the widths consistent for aesthetics. I’m thinking of about 2-foot spacing for walking paths. I'm a bit worried since my shed blocks sun in the far left area in the mornings—should I be concerned about that?