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whoose February 6, 2017 12:40 PM

Building Rasied Beds
 
[B]How to Construct a Raised Bed with Low Tunnel[/B]

This is a repost from General Discussion, I believe this is the proper place to get maximum exposure.

[FONT=Times New Roman]This post is intended to be an experiential based discussion of how to make a raised bed. There are many consideration that I will try to cover and some controversies. I will have Tomatoville post for reference from many discussion that already have been had controversial topics.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]My credentials: Psychology Professor by trade (retired), I have been a home owner level carpenter all my life, I built a log house, two garages and a greenhouse. I have done maintenance on these building for the last 40 years. I have tools, not that modern, but sufficient for the task. Last year I built seven raised beds, five with low tunnels. I plan one more raised bed for this Spring.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][IMG]http://www.tomatoville.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69386&d=1486060441[/IMG][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]Please feel free to add to the discussion, we all are here to learn from each other.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Why build a raised bed?[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Many of us are happy with our container gardens or regular garden spaces. Some of us want to expand to the next level of the raised bed.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Some of the advantages of raised bed are:[/FONT]


[LIST] [*][FONT=Times New Roman]Maximizing the amount of soil for growing plants.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Allowing for easy applications of compost and fertilizer.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Easier control of weeds.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]The ability build soil is enhanced.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Raised beds just look nice.[/FONT][/LIST]
[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Where to build a raised bed?[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Ideally a south facing exposure on level ground is the most desirable. Many of us are not lucky enough to have this ideal.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Try to avoid these situation.[/FONT]
[LIST] [*][FONT=Times New Roman]Trees, brush, tall grass, large roots.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Rock outcrops that are not level.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Long distances for your water source.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Shade.[/FONT][/LIST]
[B][FONT=Times New Roman]What to use to build a raised bed?[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Almost anything you can stack, form or pile will work:[/FONT]
[LIST] [*][FONT=Times New Roman]Clay Bricks.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Concrete walls.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Cinder blocks.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Retaining wall blocks.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Hay bales.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]The buckets from your container garden.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Wood.[/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Times New Roman]Most of use think of wood as the primary material used for construction of raised beds. There are many types of wood available depending on your location and how much money you are willing to spend.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Types of wood include:[/FONT]
[LIST] [*][FONT=Times New Roman]Redwood.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Western Red Cedar.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Eastern Cedar.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Cyprus.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Pine.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Fir.[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]Hardwoods.[/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Times New Roman]Just about anything that is natural wood will work. [/FONT]
[LIST] [*][FONT=Times New Roman]No[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] plywood please. [/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]No railroad ties either.[/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Times New Roman]The amount of time it takes wood to rot in soil depends on the wood type. The most expensive woods (Redwood, and Cedars) last longer than Pine and Fir. So depending on how long you expect the raised bed to last and your budget you can pick the type of wood.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]There has been a lot of discussion on using treated wood on this forum. [/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black]Pressure [B]treated[/B] [B]wood[/B] is [B]treated[/B][/COLOR] with an arsenic-like compound in most cases.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]The some questions to consider:[/FONT]
[LIST] [*][FONT=Times New Roman]How much leeches into the ground?[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]How much leeches into your plants?[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]How much longer does treated wood last than regular lumber?[/FONT][*][FONT=Times New Roman]How long does it take for the chemical to break down in the environment? [/FONT][/LIST][FONT=Times New Roman]For question that you will have to consider, see the following:[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][B]Pressure treated lumber and raised beds[/B][B][B] [URL]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=43231&highlight=treated+wood[/URL][/B][/B][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][B]Treated lumber?[/B][URL]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=4771&highlight=treated+wood[/URL][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][B]Paint for raised beds?[/B][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=38776&highlight=treated+wood[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]My view is why take the chance??? [/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]For me it is hard to say Organic and treated lumber in the same sentence. So if you are organic probably do not used treated wood. I use 2X Western Red Cedar, very expensive but why take a risk? The cedar beds will out last me for sure. I have two grandkids and prefer not to take any more chances than necessary with their health. If you sell your produce you must consider the implications of using treat wood.[/FONT]


[B][FONT=Times New Roman]So Lets Build Some Raised beds[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]You now have decided on the site and type of material. I will discuss using dimensional lumber for raised beds. [/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Buy your lengths of lumber carefully, this stuff can be really expensive. Use even 2 foot dimensions for the long sides and try to have to make only one cut for the short sides. For example 8'x4' is a no waste bed with only one cut from 3, 8 foot boards. Many of us do not have power carpenter tools like precision saws. A good way to solve this problems is to have the big box or local lumber yard make the cuts for you, only a dollar of two, and very precise cuts, which you will need.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]How to join the sides, front and back of the bed?[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]I use 4X4 posts in each corner and sink large bolts through the 2X into the 4X4, this will not fail for a very long time. The 4X4 method also allows for easy addition of the next course of boards. I leave the 4X4 about 1 inch below the finished soil for a nice look. You can use metal corner braces, get as big as you can, they will also last a long time. Use only treated non-rusting screws, nails loosen and work their way out. I put a 2X4 as a brace between the front and back in the middle to keep the boards from trying to bow out from the weight of the soil. This brace is also a good place to sit.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][IMG]http://www.tomatoville.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69387&d=1486059812[/IMG][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Times New Roman]How high should my bed be?[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]I start with 2X12 boards for the bottom course and then can add 12, 10, 8, or 6 inch boards for the next course. I find 20 inches is about right for me, try out different heights and find the one you like. Remember to leave your corner 4X4 the correct height for the new course of lumber. The bed makes a great seat, the older you get the more you appreciate a good resting area.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][IMG]http://www.tomatoville.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69391&d=1486060178[/IMG][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Raised bed height[/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Times New Roman]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=43033&highlight=treated+wood[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Building on a sloping area?[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]You will need to drive large 2X4 stakes in the corners and middle of the bed to keep it from moving down hill. I also place stakes on the uphill side to help slow the movement. Worst case is the bed migrates down hill until it breaks the wood or pulls the screws.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Where to Build the raised beds?[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]I like to comfort of my garage for the construction of the raised beds. I then put the bed in my truck and take it to the site. I almost always have projects during what we call the "mud season" or Spring here in the West, so nice dry, warm work place is nice. You can build in place but use saw horses to elevate you work.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][IMG]http://www.tomatoville.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69389&d=1486059952[/IMG][/FONT]
[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Screening the bottom?[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]I use hardware cloth, small metal mesh, on the bottom of my beds. I have Voles, Moles, Gophers, and other burying rodents that I do not want in my beds. The hardware cloth stops them dead. If you are a double digger leave the screen out. See, below.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][B]Birds? Mice? Rats? Squirrels?[/B][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=42604&highlight=mice[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Landscape fabric[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Also consider using landscape fabric in the bottom of the beds to help control any weeds trying to grow from the bottom of the raised bed. [/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]The soil?[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]First decision, organic or not. Your call, see.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Organic/growing compendium and resource listing[/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Times New Roman]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=4636[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]How to buy soil?[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Bags are easy but expensive. Landscape contractors are cheaper and have good access to very good soil. They will also will deliver large amounts to you site relatively cheaply. Try to make your own compost going forward. See.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Compost bin and building compost question[/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Times New Roman]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=36787&highlight=treated+wood[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Chicken poo and sawdust[/FONT][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Times New Roman]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=40453&highlight=treated+wood[/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Additives [/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Another consideration with commercial soil is the uses of bio solids, sewer bi-products (sludge) in soil mixes. The manufacturer must list bio solids in the list of ingredients. Very different views by different people, but it is you choice. See:[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Sewage (bio solids) in your compost?[/FONT][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Times New Roman]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=42694&highlight=whoose[/FONT][/B][/B]


[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Low Tunnel[/FONT][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Times New Roman]While you are at it add some low tunnels to your raised beds. Very easy, quick and relatively inexpensive. The advantages of low tunnels are about 1 month early planting in the Spring and 1 month longer before killer frost in the Fall. That is a big deal at 6000 feet in the Northern Rockies.[/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Times New Roman]You also get what I consider to be a very important edge, higher soil and air temperatures. These might be the missing ingredients in a successful garden, especially at higher altitudes with short seasons. Where I live the temperature rarely gets over 80f and 50f at night, so hot soil and air really area must.[/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][B][FONT=Times New Roman][IMG]http://www.tomatoville.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69390&d=1486060044[/IMG][/FONT][/B][/B]
[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Lets build a low tunnel [/FONT][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Times New Roman]I use schedule 40 white 1/2" PVC plastic pipe for the hoops in a low tunnel. For the end supports of the hoops I use 1' schedule 40 white PVC plastic pipe, attached with galvanized brackets. Very easy to install and last for a long time. Be sure to try and bend the pipe for the hoops after it has been in the sun for a while, or use a heat gun. Schedule 40 is tough stuff but you can break cold pipe. Stay away from the cheaper thin wall pipe, it is bound to fail. I disassemble my hoops for the winter and store out of the weather.[/FONT][/B][/B]
[IMG]http://www.tomatoville.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69394&d=1486061150[/IMG]
[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Covering for a low tunnel[/FONT][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Times New Roman]I use 6 mil clear poly plastic. Lumber yards sell very large roles of the stuff, it is not cheap, but worth it. Do not try to save money with 2 or 4 mil it will fail far too soon. The 6 mil will last one season and then it is off to recycling. Some specialty green house stores have higher quality plastic but I find the cost too high.[/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Times New Roman]You live in a HOT climate and do not need the heat provided by a low tunnel or the extended season. But you can still use the low tunnel, you will want to stop lost of uninvited guests. See:[/FONT][/B][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman][B]Birds? Mice? Rats? Squirrels?[/B][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=42604&highlight=mice[/FONT]

[B][B][FONT=Times New Roman]You can use netting/screening to stop most mammals, insects, birds for destroying your plants.[/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][B][FONT=Times New Roman]Too hot in the summer is a problem many of us would like to have but if you do have too high temperatures you need to mitigate the problem. You can put shade cloth over the low tunnel and provide shade and lower temperature. See:[/FONT][/B][/B]

[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Thoughts on shade cloth[/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Times New Roman]http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=43248&highlight=whoose[/FONT]


[B][FONT=Times New Roman]Ending Thoughts[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Times New Roman]So let me know your experiences and how to improve my basic raised beds and low tunnels.[/FONT]
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Glen Bryan February 7, 2018 10:35 PM

How long are the 1/2 inch pvc pipes used for the low tunnel over the 4’ x 8’ beds ?

Thanks

whoose May 11, 2018 11:26 AM

Anyone??
 
Anyone taking these suggestions and building some raised beds?

MissS May 12, 2018 12:01 AM

I sure am taking notes. I will be building some new raised beds this year.

Now if I could please borrow your truck for awhile I would be all set. :lol:

PaulF May 12, 2018 09:10 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Very nice explanation and directions for raised beds. My wife wanted raised beds this year for every vegetable we used to grow in the regular in-ground garden except for tomatoes and peppers. I was prepared to build what whoose did but found these at a farm nearby. With the owner's permission I hauled these cattle waterers with rusted out bottoms home and saved a little work.

oakley May 12, 2018 02:07 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Just supporting the method...I put in my raised bed garden 20 years ago. In a lumpy old
cow pasture overgrown. First years it was a muddy mess but so worth it. Most gardeners in
my area with tilled row gardens cannot plant now being so wet.

I put in the pavers long ago just so I could avoid the mud. Stepping stones.
Raised beds let me work the garden and prep now, start peas, garlic is coming up, planted
leeks, shallots and onions last week. Good soil is contained in the beds.

Not for every situation or climate but I doubt I would be gardening without this system.

Last year pic...

jillian May 12, 2018 02:17 PM

Whoose, somehow I missed this thread but wow what great information! Thanks for putting this together with great detail, I am taking notes as well.

PaulF, what an awesome find!!! Maybe I need to explore some nearby farms!

SueCT May 12, 2018 04:23 PM

:oops: Sorry, didn't mean to hijack your thread.

Worth1 May 12, 2018 06:02 PM

[QUOTE=SueCT;699702]Adding my own raised bed for those that are new and looking for different ideas on ways to do raised beds:

[URL="https://flic.kr/p/JXgU5d"][IMG]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/976/28192493388_5f6214ceb5_z.jpg[/IMG][/URL][URL="https://flic.kr/p/JXgU5d"]Veg garden[/URL] by [URL="https://www.flickr.com/photos/152340683@N05/"]Susan Albetski[/URL], on Flickr[/QUOTE]

Show off.:lol:

Worth

Hairy Moose Knuckles May 13, 2018 11:18 AM

I experimented a little bit this year. I really like mine. I had a youngster build it out of old lumber we've had in the back 40 for quite some time. Everything I've planted has been looking good. I have Komatsuma, Semposai, Carrots, Pienky Jas beans, Frosty Pink Plum tomato and Dwarf Striped Rumplestiltskin tomato. It's 3' wide and 8' long. I've been eating greens for quite some time. I have 12 gallons of zip locked bags in the freezer, so I recon they liked the bed.

[IMG]https://s31.postimg.cc/f2j2ydfhn/IMG_4559.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://s31.postimg.cc/55825m5ej/IMG_4564.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://s31.postimg.cc/r9i8226a3/IMG_4957.jpg[/IMG]

Worth1 May 13, 2018 11:24 AM

[QUOTE=SueCT;699702]:oops: Sorry, didn't mean to hijack your thread.[/QUOTE]

I dont see where you did anything wrong at all.:)

Worth

Hairy Moose Knuckles May 13, 2018 01:10 PM

Way way back, several years in fact. I think Worth posted a picture of how he had created a covered bed. I always thought it was the neatest idea and I saved it to my computer. Of course, I think this was 2 computers back. I hope it was Worth, but I could be wrong.

Anyways, whoever did it used clear plastic sheets and bent them in a semi circle over the bed. The ends could be removed. Somewhere I have that pic

Worth1 May 13, 2018 01:14 PM

[QUOTE=Hairy Moose Knuckles;699864]Way way back, several years in fact. I think Worth posted a picture of how he had created a covered bed. I always thought it was the neatest idea and I saved it to my computer. Of course, I think this was 2 computers back. I hope it was Worth, but I could be wrong.

Anyways, whoever did it used clear plastic sheets and bent them in a semi circle over the bed. The ends could be removed. Somewhere I have that pic[/QUOTE]

Wasn't me.:?!?:

Now you have reminded me of what I wanted a certain type of tubing bender for.
Too late I spent the exact same amount of money on something else.:lol:
Here is the bender if anyone is interested.
Many people make them and you can bend any radius you want flat round and square pipe and tubing.

Worth

[IMG]http://boltontool.com/image/magictoolbox_cache/8c95d73fec130487c102a73bf1ab42ce/5/3/532/thumb400x400/3026718206/TR-50.jpg[/IMG]

whoose March 26, 2019 11:44 AM

New For 2019
 
I am going to build one last raised bed this Spring, 9X11 should be fun to finally finish. I am using 2X12 western cedar. Anyone else planning some construction this year?

pmcgrady March 26, 2019 06:47 PM

I've seen raised beds built from a lot of things, yellow pine, cedar, treated even railroad ties...
Eventually they all will rot, so I've been looking for something that lasts. Came up with interlocking 48"X 12"X 2 1/2" concrete panels. I'm getting ready to make the molds and start pouring, when I get a little farther along I'll post pics.


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