Comments on: What can we grow in a raised bed garden?

By: jstutzman

jstutzman — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:07:23 +0000

Tell the lumber yard what you are hoping to install, and they should be able to hook you right up. They should know the best wood to recommend. Let me know how it goes. GHS

By: Bobby

Bobby — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:43:08 +0000

We live in a subdivision that has regulations as far gardens go. I was going to make a bed out of lumber. Do you think it would be safe to go to a local mill and get them to cut the wood? We just can’t plow the ground up where we live so my hands are sort of tied on that. Give me your input if you don’t mind and let me know what you think. Sorry to bother you about all this but being a first timer, I want to do it right and I remember as a boy growing up that my dad planted gardens at my grandparents’ farm, so I know a little about some things but not a lot. Thanks again. Bobby

By: jstutzman

jstutzman — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:05:56 +0000

NO! Do not use it! I can not stress that enough. You do not want those chemicals saturating the soil near your edible plants! You do not have to have lumber at all. Simply mound up the area where you want the garden. Then put straw or some other organic mulch around the edges where you will be walking. Or, consider edging your bed with bricks, flat rocks, or other natural materials. GHS

By: Bobby

Bobby — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:51:34 +0000

Thanks for getting back to me about the seeds. Can I ask one other thing: is it okay to use treated lumber if I can’t find anything that is not untreated around where I live? Thanks again, Bobby

By: jstutzman

jstutzman — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:26:33 +0000

Bobby, thanks so much for your questions. I will try and answer them for you. First of all your seeds will love the raised bed that you are building; the soil retains heat better. Organic seeds are the safest seed you can plant as there are no chemicals used in the growing or harvesting of them. You can grow anything you like in this raised bed; just keep in mind the space each plant uses. Plants that grow vertically will allow you to put more varieties in the small space. Tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, and plants that grow up trellises like pole beans, cucumbers, and peas would be great to consider. We offer a book for sale called Carrots Love Tomatoes that would be a big help to you. It describes which plants grow together harmoniously. Please email me if you have any further questions. Sincerely, GHS