I created a rather large raised garden with cinder blocks and loved it! Great results for first three years. Then this year nothing grew tall and nothing produced. It was green but that's it. Tested soil and was told pH is too high. They blamed the blocks for leaching lime. Suggested I tear down blocks and replace with wood. Is there another option? Can I lower pH? Should I line it and with something? I'm so lost without the garden and totally frustrated. Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks
You absolutely can lower the pH in your soil - if in fact that's what the issue was. You might benefit by consulting your local extension office to have a soil test done (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-extension-service.htm)
This article may help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/raise-acid-level-soil.htm
And this article describes the concern about cinder blocks that you were told about:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting/cinder-block-garden-beds.htm
I read the excellent article on how to solarize raised bed gardens, but it didn't say when is the best time to do that. It says for how long, 4-6 weeks, which makes me think you do it 4-6 weeks before planting, is that right?
Yes, solarization can be done before planting in the spring. The most effective time to solarize is during the hottest part of the summer, since this will kill weed seeds and soil pathogens even a few inches down in the soil. Of course, that is also the time when most people are using their garden to grow plants, so summer solarization is only practical if you have a large garden and are able to sacrifice a portion of your space every year.
However it can also be effective to solarize for 4-6 weeks in the spring before planting and in the fall after harvest. If you choose a black tarp or other cover, the lack of light will also help kill weeds that sprout. Here is more information:
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74145.html
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2752e/
I just built a large box container for gardening. It's 10' long, 3'wide and 2.5' deep. Should I layer the box with potting soil then compost or dirt? And what is best to retain moisture?
I like to use a combination of 60 % topsoil, 30 % compost and 10% soilless growing mix (commercial potting soil).
This article will help you with your garden project.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-soil-raised-garden-beds.htm
Trying to find the simplest/easiest raised garden bed. I will be building it myself, so please keep it simple!!!
Here are the basic considerations for raised bed design and location:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm
If you can get logs or cinder blocks, either of these can be used to build a raised bed quickly and easily. Another option is to use four wood planks anchored in place by metal stakes
Can treated lumber fence boards be used to make a raised bed container or will it leach chemicals?
This depends on what the lumber was treated with. The modern treatments are thought to be low risk, but to be safe, organic gardeners usually avoid any treated wood. You can also line the bed with a plastic liner intended for this purpose before adding soil.
The risky kind of treated wood was treated with arsenic compounds, which can leach into vegetable plants in small amounts. In the US, this treatment is no longer allowed in new treated wood, but salvaged wood may still contain it. Here is more information:
https://extension.psu.edu/plants/crops/esi/treated-lumber
I need a plan for creating raised gardens two 4x8' 8 inches high. Some plants that are appealing are: lavender, parsley, dill tomatoes, peas, basil, oregano, chives, beans, lettuce, carrots, potatoes, cucumber, eggplant, pansies, nasturtium, marigolds, sunflowers, and morning glories. I need an estimated cost to purchase these plants. Can you help me or suggest where I might get answers? Thank you, Sharon
What a wonderful project a children's garden is!
The cost of plants will vary on plants, depending on the varieties, availability and the area that you live.
Plants and seeds can generally be found at local garden centers, farmer's markets, home improvement centers, big box stores or even mail order.
The costs can be very little for a packet of seeds and most vegetable and herb plants are available for a few dollars each.
I'm listing several articles to help you get started planning your garden.
Each of the plants you listed can be researched directly from our web site. Use the search bar at the top of the home page.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/the-layout-of-your-vegetable-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/fun-plants-for-kids.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/toddler-garden-design-ideas.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/children-and-vegetable-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/herb-gardens-for-children.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/plant-seeds-with-kids.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/childrens-garden-design.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/gardening-with-school-age-kids.htm
So this year I plan to build small, knee high length boxes almost, angled at 45 degrees to an almost non existent sun nowadays with window frames that I have sourced for free and all timber so far, as I plan to live more self-sustainably from now on. As my tomato crop got blight last year (my rookie year), I plan to give all my crops a better helping hand so to speak. My only issue is I'm going to be hampered by height, as what I plan to grow (tomatoes, berries and the like), like height. Any ideas? Or should I bite the bullet and just make a big box and smaller ones too? Any ideas or help would be nice. Thanks.
If the issue is that your boxes will have lids (the window frames) and your plants will grow too tall to fit in the boxes, you could either build taller boxes or plan to lift the lids as the plants grow. With cold frame-type boxes, you can usually remove the lids or transplant the plants to a new area once it is warm enough outdoors.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/building-cold-frames.htm
If the issue is the depth of the soil in the boxes, you can either build deeper/taller boxes or build boxes with no bottoms so that the roots can use the soil underneath the boxes too.For root health, raised beds should have soil depth of at least 6 inches but preferably 12 inches.