My front yard was tilled last fall and two modest garden beds were constructed for planting this spring. We are growing from seed green beans, Roma tomatoes, a blend of hot peppers and herbs galore. How should I prepare the soil in these beds?
Raised beds are a great way to garden and grow all of the plants that you list.
Here are links to help you get started.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-soil-raised-garden-beds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beans/tips-for-growing-beans.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/tips-for-growing-roma-tomatoes.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pepper/growing-chili-pepper-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/plant-herb-garden.htm
I have no clue what I am doing in a garden. I just built 2-tier raised flower beds in my lawn with octagon shapes on the ends and middle. I would like to move my wife's snowball bush approximately 6 inches. Can it be done, and how? I could really use some help.
Yes, it can be done. The best time to move the snowball bush is in early fall or in early spring, before it's begun producing leaves. Water the plant about 12-24 hours before transplanting, and try to choose a day that's not too hot or sunny for the move. After you dig it up, plant the shrub in its new location as soon as possible. Follow the advice in this article to prevent damage to the roots as much as possible:
I have recently purchased 4 vinyl raised beds ( 4x4x15). Each bed in lined with weed barrier. Using home dirt is not a option. For each bed I have purchased 6 bags of top soil, 5 bags of compost, 1/2 bale of spaghnum moss, 3 bags of cow compost, 1 bag of coir, 1 bag of worm castings. Sounds like a big soup huh? Question is, how do I layer of mix all of these ingredients? Should I purchase any more ingredients. They are very deep and sit on a slope about 4 inches. I hope you can answer soon because I am planning on filling them this weekend. Thanks for your help. Shelby Britt
50 percent of your 'soil' should be compost.
50 percent can be coconut coir, peat moss, or sphagnum moss.
Part 2 is the fertilizer or food for the plants.
1 bag of worm castings for each 3 x 8 raised bed.
Here are a few links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/vegetable-garden-soil.htm
hi-we inherited 5 beautiful garden beds that I believe have sat empty for years. I also do not know if they were growing vegetables or flowers in them. All the beds need at least 8" of new compost/soil, but my question is.....should I be concerned what the quality is of the existing beds, or just focus on my new compost? I don't want to be growing food for my family that's sitting on top of years of miracle grow or other contaminates. I have a company that will test the soil, but I believe they only will tell me about pH, nitrogen, etc....what do u suggest? I'd like to avoid removing all their existing soil, but dont want to make foolish mistake. thanks!
First, a soil test is an excellent way to start!
Your County Extension Office will do a soil test for a few dollars.
This is the starting point and save time and money in prepping your garden beds for the growing season.
Here is a link to locate your nearest office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
Here are some links on soil amendments and the best soils for vegetable beds.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-soil-raised-garden-beds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-garden-soil.htm
Hello, I have built raised garden beds in my backyard. They are about 24 inches high (pretty tall). I need to fill the first 6 inches with something lightweight that won't put a lot of pressure on the bottom of the beds over time. The boxes are built out of cedar fence pickets. The recommended fill depth for the soil I am getting is 18 inches max, after which the soil risks becoming anaerobic. I live in Austin, TX. Question :1 - Should I line the inside of the garden box with anything to keep the dirt inside the boxes + keep moisture in? If so, what should I use? Question 2: What should I fill the first 6 inches with? Leaves and twigs? Scrap wood? I have some fill dirt that I can use, but I'm worried that it will crack the garden beds over time. Any other things I should be thinking about with a setup like mine? Thanks in advance :)
There are several ways to go about filling the beds with soil. The links below will help you.
Plastic would not be necessary when using cedar as it is naturally resistant to rot, but there would be no harm in doing so. Do not line the bottom.
http://www.gardeninginraisedbeds.com/raised-bed-soil-mix/the-perfect-soil-mixture-for-filling-your-raised-bed/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-soil-raised-garden-beds.htm
I made two garden beds (4x4 and 3x5) and filled up with Kellogs all natural organic garden soil. Now I read that this soil is to be mixed with regular soil and not directly used for beds. I see after 4 weeks that my blue beans and zucchini plant's leaves are turning yellow. I had noticed heavy forest products with this soil earlier, but my local home depot gardening expert said, this is the soil that I should be using for beds. What can i do now, since i feel it may not be the right soil for my beds. Thanks, Sumith
Yes, the product you used is considered to be an organic amendment to your garden soil. It is likely very rich in nitrogen which is most likely the reason for your yellowing plants. Too much nitrogen can also lead to lush plants but no vegetables forming.
I do want to say, your raised beds look great! Don't get frustrated, you can leave the garden as is and see how it goes. I would suggest working in some Bone Meal, which is phosphorous and will help balance out the nitrogen.
The other option is lift your plants, work in top soil and replant.
Try not to get frustrated as even an experienced gardener has issues each season!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-soil-raised-garden-beds.htm
I purchased a metal raised garden bed - actually purchased three - after receiving and putting the beds together I realized there was no brace as indicated on the directions. I contacted the company and was told they did not provide the brace. They told me I needed to purchase a threaded rod at the hardware store. However, when I search for this product I do not see anything that has the ends to attach to the bolts on the inside of the beds. I am somewhat tool handy . . .but I have no idea what to ask for beyond a "threaded rod with ends appropriate for attachment" . . . Suggestions, please . . . Thank you, Sue C.
I would take the information and a picture of the raised bed structure to your local hardware or home improvement center. They should be able to help you with the missing piece from your purchase.