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We are just a few days from Valentines day.  For me that is when I want most of my seeds started for spring set out.  I use that date as a cut off because I tend to set my plants out starting about March 15th.  This is also the time of year when my inbox starts to heat up with questions about the coming garden season and one topic always exceeds all others.  No not which variety of tomato to plant, not which fertility aid to use or what to use for mulch.  No the number one question is always some version of “I want to set up some new raised beds so what something something something”.

The thing is that raised beds have become the default for just about all gardeners, especially new gardeners.  They are just “what everyone does”.  Yet, what if I told you this is a relatively new method of gardening.  Now yes the raised bed method has been around for a bit at this point and “new” is subjective.  Considering man has been a horticultural species now for about 10,000 years, I would call something about 40 years old quite “new”.

Now don’t get me wrong raised beds have many positive qualities, I use them myself and on my property there is really no other option.  The other side though is raised beds also require additional materials, labor and expense.  At times they are 100% worth the added work and cost, at others they are a judgment call and at others they are flatly a waste of energy and not the best solution.  Today we work though all of this and explain how to build the best raised beds for your needs, if indeed it fits your needs or even your wants.

Join Me Today to Discuss…

• What are the goal of a garden more over what should they be?
  • Grow plants, today we are looking at food but plants are plants
  • Optimize the growth of what you want vs. what wants to grow in that spot
  • Minimize your work load
  • Give organization to chaos, ie create a pattern you can manage
• What are the advantages of raised beds
  • Total control of “soil mix”
  • Start weed free and usually disease free
  • Good drainage
  • Clear demarcation point between “lawn” and garden
  • Easy to install irrigation during construction
• What are the disadvantages of raised beds
  • Cost of construction
  • Cost of fill materials
  • Dries out far more quickly in hot weather/climates
  • Initially requires more labor
  • Semi permanent structures
• Raised Bed Construction Material Options
  • Timbers
  • Treated Lumber
  • Cinder blocks or or other man made hardscape materials
  • Natural stone, rock, etc.
• My rules for raised beds
  • 4 feet wide unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise
  • If your ground really sucks (rock etc) go deep
  • Be sure of your location before building them
  • Be sure a raised bed really makes sense, sometimes they are the best option
  • Employ weed blockers
  • Get over your fear or treated lumber or don’t use wood
  • Consider heavy mulch and weed blocking around and in between beds
• Bed orientation, fill material and location
  • If you can’t see it, you won’t take care of it
  • Ideal locations have eastern sun and western shade (subject to your climate)
  • Wind can be your enemy, for many reasons, set up wind blocks
  • A 50-50 mix of screened top soil and compost is a great start if you have to go commercial
  • Some people literally build soil in the bed itself with layered organic matter
  • If you have soil on property by all means use and improve it
• Managing your garden
  • Weed early and weed often
  • Keep records of what grows, when things happen, etc.
  • Irrigate on a schedule, automation is best
  • Fertilize on a schedule, this is on you
  • Harvest frequently, you will get more production
  • No matter the technique the soil is the key, we grow soil, soil grows plants
• Final Thoughts
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Resources for today’s show…

• Find Me on Nostr
• Article Explaining the GrowNostr Initiative
• Join the Members Brigade
• TspAz.com
• TSPC on Discord
• TSPC Group on Telegram (group chat)
• TSPC Telegram Channel (just messages from me)
• Jack on MeWe
• Join Me on Odysee
• All My Recommend Bitcoin Tools and Resources
  `

Sponsors of the Day

• Get My Book – Laws of Life
• Join the MSB Here
• JM Bullion
• Biltong USA
• Above Phone
• This Weeks Items of the Day
  • Adjustable Grow Light Rope Hangers
  • VEVOR Galvanized Raised Garden Beds
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Video Version of this Episode 

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