Do I dig up all the old dirt and everything in the bed?
This article will help you make the best soil choices for a raised beds.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-soil-raised-garden-beds.htm
What is the process for building a lasagna garden over existing grass?
This article will help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/lasagna-gardening.htm
Hi Everyone; Quick question. I set up a small raised bed tonight and tomorrow I am going to plant some vegetables that could take the heat here in the Phoenix Valley. Since the soil I used is Kellogs Organic Raised Bed and Potting Soil, which is basically organic potting soil, after planting the seeds (or transplants if I go that route) should I cover the top of the bed with composted mulch, or is that not necessary because of the nutrients already in the organic soil? Thank you all so much for your help, and have a wonderful day. Janine R. Pestel
It won't hurt! Just make sure that they are mature enough to handle the nutrients. Small seedlings will not tolerate high nutrient levels, but will enjoy it as they age passed a few weeks.
This article will help you with raised bed soil requirements: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-soil-raised-garden-beds.htm
I want to create a border with sleepers, but not sure if I can just dig a small footing and lay them inside?
It is possible, but over a relatively short period of time they soil will rot the wood away. It will be best to line the trench, either with a plastic or other waterproof barrier, otherwise, since you won't want to use treated wood.
This article will offer some information on raised bed gardening: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/canna-lily-care.htm
My vegetable garden did not produce this year. I live in Western Massachusetts where we received blazing sun & humidity, cool days, days of heavy rain then repeated this same cycle several times throughout the summer. I fed, watered, & applied pest controls to no avail. My cherry tomatoes are the only thing giving me fruit. Everything else is a disaster. I know it is too late now but how can I prepare my beds for next year? Any ideas & help would be appreciated. Ellen
Prepare the soil well with real compost if you can get it, or make it, or use a potting soil mixed with your native soil. Here are some scenarios and solutions:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/heat-stress-plants.htm
Size #1: 24.5in.×20.5in. Size#2: 16in.x 8ft.x 11in. I want to use all organic soil. What do you recommend, and how many should I buy? Thank you!
Measure your garden beds. Measure the length x width x height to get cubic feet. Purchase the packages that come the closest in cubic feet to the measurement that you took. Allow some headroom for the top, so that your soil does not overflow.
This article will offer more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-bed-soil-depth.htm
I have some wood box style raised beds next to some willow brush type vegetation and they don't thrive due to overgrowth of roots from willow. What would be the longest lasting material to lay down to prevent this growth.
A raised bed will not have contact with the soil. If the bottom of your bed contacts the soil, then this will be a standard bed, rather than a raised bed. Using a true raised bed mitigates harsh soils and roots from other trees nearby. Fortunately, there is an solution to your issue.
Sheet metal siding will be the appropriate material, here.
You will want to dig a trench down to roughly 12 inches around the perimeter of your bed, digging and cutting out all roots in the trench. Place the siding against plot, and back fill with soil.
This will be deep enough to allow for your garden plants to thrive, while keeping tree roots out of the growing range of the garden.
Here are some articles to help you with raised bed issues: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-bed-soil-depth.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/weed-barriers-in-gardens.htm