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- Q.Safe Paint/spray For Interior Of Raised Garden Bed - We have the metal 'cover' of a 4.5' X 2'3" X 16"H 'dead' firetable that I want to flip over ...
- Q.Is A Med. Gauge Plastic Tarp Suitable To Cover A Raised Bed? - it’s going to freeze in Central TX tonight. I have a raised bed with mew seedlings planted (peppers, strawberries, cilantro, ...
- Q.Raised Bed Garden Soil Compacted Over Time. Thinking About Adding Hardwood Mulch To Lessen The Soil Compaction? - I have two 5' x 10' raised beds that were filled with expensive bagged garden soil. Over time, it all ...
- Q.Raised Garden - I've had a raised garden for 3 years. This will be the 4th year. I've added garden soil from a ...
- Q.Type Of Garden Soil To Use For Raised Beds - Hi I am starting a raised bed for vegetables and herbs this spring. What is the best kind of soil ...
- Q.Can I Use Cinder Blocks/concrete Structure For Framing A Raised Garden - I asked several nursery employees and owners their opinion. Most said why not? A few said to blocks get too ...
- Q.What Is And Where Do You Get The Clever Stacking Joints Which Permit Stakes To Slide Into The Joints Below?? - There is no explanation of or for my question that shows step by step the process of building your stackable ...
Asked by
Anonymous on
December 30, 2021Q.Safe Paint/spray For Interior Of Raised Garden Bed
We have the metal 'cover' of a 4.5' X 2'3" X 16"H 'dead' firetable that I want to flip over and add to my collection of raised beds for edibles.(The open bottom will become the top; the current top has an 8"X3' opening for the gas flame apparatus, which would become the drainage 'hole' on the bottom.) I cannot determine what kind of paint/finish is currently on the interior. Would like a recommendation for what I could spray over that current finish that would be safe to grow edibles in. Rustoleum? Or??? Many thanks for any suggestions! '
Answered by
GKH_Susan on
December 31, 2021
Certified ExpertA.After doing some research, the product that kept coming up in posts was milk paint (this is different from chalk paint). It is mostly used on wood, however, so I'm not sure how well it would adhere to the surface you have. There is a milk paint bonding agent you can add that enables it to adhere to metal and other surfaces. It has no VOCs.
I did find this extension publication that said latex paint was safe to use on inside or outside of raised vegetable gardens.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/safety-materials-used-building-raised-beds
You could always just cover the inside with a plastic liner to make sure nothing leaches through.
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- Asked by
centexadam on
March 11, 2022
78130Q.Is A Med. Gauge Plastic Tarp Suitable To Cover A Raised Bed?
it’s going to freeze in Central TX tonight. I have a raised bed with mew seedlings planted (peppers, strawberries, cilantro, rosemary) will cover the bed w a plastic tarp be sufficient to keep these safe? Low is 29
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
March 12, 2022
Certified ExpertA.Yes, but you need cloth beneath the plastic, such as a sheet or blanket. Plastic by itself could harm the plants.
Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/protect-plants-in-freeze.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/frost-how-to-protect-your-plants.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
March 18, 2022Q.Raised Bed Garden Soil Compacted Over Time. Thinking About Adding Hardwood Mulch To Lessen The Soil Compaction?
I have two 5' x 10' raised beds that were filled with expensive bagged garden soil. Over time, it all compacted into dense dirt. I am considering adding hardwood mulch (a finer mulch) to loosen it up. Would that work well enough? I have also considered Perlite which is substantially more expensive and less available. The original bagged garden soil seemed to have a fair amount of wood mulch in it. Would adding wood mulch alleviate the compaction issues until it degraded also?? Thank you very much for any guidance - Don P.S. I can't afford to buy 35 cubic feet of new bagged garden soil for each raised bed.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
March 20, 2022
Certified ExpertA.It wouldn't hurt to mix in some mulch, but it would be better to add a layer of organic matter such as compost on top and mix it in two or three inches. It will work its way down in time. Any mulch on top will also eventually decompose and help loosen the soil.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/improving-compacted-soil.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
bmoongzr2 on
March 22, 2022
York, PAQ.Raised Garden
I've had a raised garden for 3 years. This will be the 4th year. I've added garden soil from a reputable nursery--not that bagged store-bought stuff every year for the past 3 years. I'm not going to do that this year since it's plenty deep enough now. So, what do I do this year? Please advise step by step info.
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
March 22, 2022
Certified ExpertA.I would seem that you have already done everything except planting!
If you feel that you have missed anything, these articles will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting
Testing your soil to make sure that it is appropriate for planting is a good added measure to ensure soil health:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-sure-soil-drains-well.htm
Crop rotation can save you trouble from depleting soils:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/rotating-vegetables.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
March 22, 2022Q.Type Of Garden Soil To Use For Raised Beds
Hi I am starting a raised bed for vegetables and herbs this spring. What is the best kind of soil for this application?
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
March 23, 2022
Certified ExpertA.You can purchase commercial bags of garden soil or you can make your own. Here's an article about mixing your own:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-soil-raised-garden-beds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-bed-soil-depth.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
March 30, 2022Q.Can I Use Cinder Blocks/concrete Structure For Framing A Raised Garden
I asked several nursery employees and owners their opinion. Most said why not? A few said to blocks get too hot to make a good garden. I would love your opinion!
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
March 31, 2022
Certified ExpertA.Sure you can. Here is how:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting/cinder-block-garden-beds.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
August 7, 2022Q.What Is And Where Do You Get The Clever Stacking Joints Which Permit Stakes To Slide Into The Joints Below??
There is no explanation of or for my question that shows step by step the process of building your stackable raised beds, and I have built many kinds. I want to pass this on to beginners but your article was confusing as it referred to but didn't elongate the step by step process nor did it "show you how!" I went on YouTube and didn't find it either. Thank you! Julie Ann
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
August 16, 2022
Certified ExpertA.Unfortunately, I am not sure which that you are referring to. I am unable to help much, here.
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