Raised Beds Guide for Beginners! 🤔👩‍🌾// Garden Answer

[@maxinericheson9210]

My husband used old cedar for my raised beds and cedar never rots! Good to know! AND a friend who had a cedar tree cut down and the fellow who cut it down was happy to deliver the chips to our place next to my raised bed! I’m 86 & disabled so I can’t garden 1/4 acres as I did years ago! The chip mound grew cantaloups last year as volunteers from my compost! And we live in the Pacific Northwest! We’re not melon 🍈 country! ❤😂🎉😊😅I’m so pleased & excited! ❤😂

[@missdevemissdeve8266]

It took me a year and a half to get my soil the way i wanted now it's just how i needs it to be. Thank you for your help, and information. ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@verawallace9055]

Good Sunday morning to everyone, hope everyone is feeling A little better ♥️🙏🙏

[@DannySullivanMusic]

Thanks!

[@orrfamily641]

Just a little side note. Having been in construction and you mentioned being tempted to use soil from your neighbors piles be very aware that most excavator's DON'T scrape off the top layer of dirt (which has more anaerobic material within it. Depending on your area you live in most soil that is below 14 to 20 inches is what we call overburden and its in simple terms what we call dead soil, meaning it has fewer nutrients and more densely compacted. Having worked in pits they pile all this dirt off to the side and sell it as top soil or a blend mixed with the overburden soil .

[@marymarks7046]

Definitely brings hope to me about having a kitchen garden. I grew up in small city and lived in a duplex with a small yard. My dad utilized the spaces we had beautifully. We didn’t have raised beds. I remember my dad using a sifting box to sift the soil and bags of “things” to fortify the soil. Then he purchased plants from a local nursery peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant, green beans, of course salad greens and garlic. He also planted marigolds and zinnias as well. His garden always looked amazing and he weeded the garden on a regular basis.

[@papirojo4228]

I was able to get a hold pallets made of heat treated wood that are manufactured and supplies directly to that bakery that produces the Girl Scout cookies for where we live. Since my wife is the troop leader for my daughters group, I was able to get my hands on enough pallets to build fifteen 8’ long x 3’ wide x 40” deep raised beds. I had a major T5-S1 spinal fusion, so the height is perfect. I made myself a rolling cart with a seat with room for all of my supplies. I was able to get free wood chips, sans eucalyptus and black walnut, and filled the bottom 24 inches with the free wood chips and topped it all of with an acid mix from one of my favorite nurseries. Last season gave me the largest harvest I’ve ever had.

[@sana5762]

Instant gratification! Laura gets me the most!😉😊

[@colleenwnek3404]

This is my fourth year gardening in raised beds and this video answered how I'll fertilize them this year with the bagged fertilizer products. I also recommend topping the beds with a sprinkling of coffee grounds and a couple of inches of shredded fall leaves. Worms love that and you can push it aside to plant in the spring and then move it back when it gets hot to prevent the soil from drying out quickly. These methods also apply to containers and grow bags. The worms won't get in but the soil still benefits from the extra TLC. And the containers are portable so I move them around the perimeter of the raised beds, depending on what I'm growing and how the sunlight moves during the growing season. Thanks again, Laura, for the great info!

[@mariafolch8067]

Does it matter how old your coffee grounds are?

[@bettyhuey9521]

You made this video just for me. 😉 I have raised beds on the way from Gardener's Supply. Although I have been growing more flowers since retirement, this is the first time I am attempting vegetables, except for tomatoes in a patio pot. Thank you for all the good information you share. I learn so much from a lady young enough to be my granddaughter.

[@mrs.m4702]

Thankful for you, Laura. We’re doing our first raised garden and this was wisdom so needed! God bless you and your family.🌸🦋

[@adriankap2978]

First, THANK YOU FOR THE BEGINNER series you're doing! SOOO helpful! I'd like to do a taller raised bed with double height of 2x12"'s. For the bottom 12" what can I add that takes up the space before adding the top 2x12's with the soil? In a smaller planter I put in empty water bottles on the bottom but it's defeating the purpose of "organic". I'm paying $14/bag for the Espoma Raised Bed Mix so that's really expensive and not an option. I'm just looking for idea's. We have underground critters that every year I feed them some very expensive labor of love high quality plant roots into their diet and I had to stop. So what I did was to do 2x12 raised beds with 1/4" hardware cloth below the wood, layer of small "washed" gravel on top then liner before adding the Espoma, Soil Protector/Permatil for drainage and critter deterrent (moles and voles and maybe gophers) and BioTone (Love that stuff!) will be added when I start my planting. Lots to unpack I know but appreciate any advice and ideas. All the best and warm wishes to all.

[@beckyscheller9358]

Would add to not use old railroad ties. As these have chemicals in them. Good information.

[@tamit2392]

Thanks for the videos! I watch them every morning with my coffee. I garden in the midwest - Iowa. I have had bad luck planting strawberries in raised beds because they heave out of the soil over the winter with the thaws and freezes. Because of that, I try to just plant annual plants in my raised beds. I haven't had that same problem with rhubarb or asparagus.

[@ashleyskogen7838]

Im in MN and my rhubarb is so happy. I don't do a thing with it.. but I can't get asparagus to grow... I have no idea why.. 🤷‍♀️

[@akashbisnath8798]

Laura and Aaron... thank you for this!!

[@CYRiPKK1]

I mostly plant in ground but last year I decided to give raised bed a go, I used the cheapest untreated wood I could find in the hardware store and had it painted to stop water from penetrating. Not even a year has passed and it already cracked on one side. Moral of the story, don’t be tempted to try the seemingly cheaper option, it’s not cheap in the end.

[@maxinericheson9210]

See if you can get used cedar! It doesn’t rot & won’t crack either!😊😮😢❤

[@CYRiPKK1]

@@maxinericheson9210 Thanks for the awesome advice!

[@KAKALaundryKh]

Really love your garden & your smiling ❤️🌹🌹🙏❤️ Have a nice weekend ❤️🌹🙏

[@mathurinelouis4528]

She is so good and on point

[@chrissy3742]

Would you do a video for how to store bulbs correctly? When to dig then up, how to prep them, where to store (garage okay?). And then when to replant? Is it the same for container bulbs and just wanting to move bulbs around in your garden? Thanks!

[@ElisabethFWScott]

We have been working on constructing new raised beds this year, using dry stacked rocks from around our property, cannot wait to be finished and plant! 🥦🍓🥗🥒🥕

[@jugglinglifewithpurpose]

You are always such a wealth of knowledge and you explain thing so well. Thank you!!

[@annbrubaker5177]

Nothing says SPRING! like a radish sandwich, so good!! Butter a slice of fresh bread, lay on thinly sliced fresh radishes (on half of the bread,) sprinkle with salt & fold the bread over. ENJOY!! This is the best way to enjoy fresh radishes!!

[@mariafolch8067]

Need to try it!!

[@vlrissolo]

off topic, you really have beautiful hair! love it longer in this video, of course you have a new baby, but being a stylist with unruly hair myself, i find longer hair is BY FAR easier to keep from hanging in your face. Simply creating cute looks like quick twists and messy buns are fast and flattering!!! ... btw, I'm going to make a raised flower bed at my condo! thanks for all of the info and inspiration!

[@Experientialgardenertexas]

Very informative video on raised beds, I picked up several ideas for improving my raised beds.

[@sweetcountryhome]

So helpful, thanks😊❤ I really like your kitchen garden videos because they are so helpful

[@thewhiteshores1371]

This is nuts I was up all night looking at ways to make a raise bed and then you guys release this 😍 need a way to stop puppy thinking everything is a chew toy 🙄🙏🏻🤞🏻 x

[@TravelAgentCale]

Your garden beds are so cool and organized!

[@gabimenu]

Wow the perfect video I’ve been waiting for. I plan on getting a raised garden this week. My first time ever gardening so thank you 😊 .

[@ravenchick2]

Such a helpful video. I’m definitely going to plan for a raised bed garden, time to get it going on the planning!

[@kathleenculhane6305]

You are a wealth of information. Thank you.

[@shaunafleming5423]

Laura, I noticed that in your video on setting up raised bed you started with the shallower beds and now in this video you have 2 x 12 redwood beds. Do you have a video on building these beds?

[@deannededemarievogel-hampt9954]

AWESOME INFORMATION LAURA, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I appreciate 🙏 this as I'm not able to get on my knees any longer, so this is a great idea, I'd love to try it.

[@nannetteoswalt4138]

Hi. 2 years ago, you did a video setting up raised beds using the corners made by Gardeners Supply. You’re current beds do not use those corners, and in fact, you recently commented how you would not recommend mitered corners in the future. Is there a reason you did not continue to use the Gardeners Supply corners? Thank you!

[@evaboldt653]

Thanks Laura. Would appreciate an update on the Beautiful foliage plants for part shade video from about 10 months ago, please. Would be helpful to know how these plants are doing this year before I plan my own shade garden.

[@katherinecornette5315]

I just changed out my old wooden raised beds for cement cinder blocks. I needed something more substantial here in N Carolina as we have heavy rains throughout the growing season. My challenge is setting up drip system from our well but am looking forward to growing a good harvest this year. I agree that raised beds are the way to go. We have clay soil, sloped land and tenacious weeds. Great video👍🌸🌱🍅

[@victoriagarrett2200]

What do you have under the dome covers? Love your channel💜

[@charleneh8765]

Just what this newbie to gardening was looking for 🪴 Thank you!

[@chetnash5991]

Time to start our garden!

[@TheStabbyGinger]

Another raised bed option we do a lot of in Australia is Galvanised Steel Raised Beds, they last for ever!

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Do you have to drill holes in them for drainage? And do you fill the whole depth with soil or something else on the bottom?

[@TheStabbyGinger]

@@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane Hi there, they're the same structure as Laura's beds just made out of Galvanised Steel instead of Wood, so there's no bottom at all. Also they're the same height so I just fill mine with a specific veggie garden soil mix from my local nursery :)

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

@@TheStabbyGinger Oh, I see what you're saying... I was picturing a large tub of sorts, with a metal bottom. Lol! That's really cool, and good to know they last a long time! I saw some corragated metal ones online, but didn't know much about them. We've been trying to think of an economical way to have tall raised beds... like knee or waist high because both of our backs are wrecked. We'll probably end up making some because they all seem so expensive to buy online. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@junesmart7352]

Tremendously good information. Thanks!

[@mariafolch8067]

I am so glad you decided to make this video, as I am getting ready to prepare a site for raised beds. Questions: 1. Did you include a wooden floor on your beds or is it just the outside boards put together and the soil on top of the existing ground? 2. Did you treat the wood with some oil to preserve and protect it? 3. Do you replace some of the old soil every so often or do you just amend it? 4. Can you add the link to when you first built your beds? If possible, can you edit this video and add it to it? 4. I wish you make a video just about watering, sprinklers, soakers versus drip and how to determine which size and kind of hose to use for various scenarios including the length, etc. As always, you are very thorough, enthusiastic and a great source for our gardening needs. Thanks for this video. 🥕🥦🥒🌽🌿👍

[@skiaphoenix1033]

My family hasn't really had a problem with watermelon before, but we live in a humid area. If you live in cold or dryer climate it might help to grow watermelon in a green house even in your warmer months.

[@trace9657]

Sunday morning,; fresh hot coffee, a cat in my lap, and gardening videos. This will be the best part of the week.

[@DannySullivanMusic]

Nice!

[@jereynolds51]

You sound like me.

[@laurastout1807]

Sounds perfect :)

[@ssncns]

I feel you.

[@maxinericheson9210]

Me too ❤!

[@debbiejacks2085]

Can you please talk about cool season crops and if you can plant those more than once per season or if you can plant cool season seeds, harvest them and then plant something else in that spot? This is my first time planting in raised beds and I’m so excited!

[@joygalbreath5856]

Question: Can you explain how you handle your newly arrived/received plants? During these times many of us are having to order our plants online for the first time, I know I could use a little guidance. Thank you for your videos and other social media outlets as they are such a wonderful source of inspiration and motivation.

[@rebeccawoods4488]

Very helpful! Thank you.

[@lmcorr9889]

I’m planning on starting raised beds and this was great information for me! I noticed that the raised beds in this video are different than the ones you originally started with, I was wondering what are the reasons for the change?

[@mariafolch8067]

Like how different? I don't see any difference other than aging.

[@aolson8185]

Yes, good question. Laura, why didn't you use Gardener's raised cedar beds? Where they not the deep root ones? Did you make the red wood ones?

[@lmcorr9889]

Maria Folch the first ones she put in a couple years ago were shorter, and they had metal brackets at the corners.

[@christinepops5100]

Once she got the Gardeners Supply beds set up she realized that they weren't the proper scale in that space. She stacked them to make tall raised beds behind the cold frame.

[@msremech]

So much good information, Laura. Thank you for that. One question, do you rotate crops each planting season in each raised bed or do you plant the same things in each bed year after year? Thank you for all you and Aaron do, and thanks to Chris and Ken for all their help which allows more time for your videos!!

[@wandygonzalez8078]

Love this video Laura. So helpful. I would love to do a raised bed.

[@donnaharris1267]

Thank you very much for information regarding raised beds they work for me

[@Edu_Kate]

I'm​ not sure what would define overcrowding, but I really like Square Foot Gardening designed by Mel Bartholomew. He works in one foot squares and spaces plants according to growth. A tip I saw on another channel for those with a bunny population. He bought dish drainer baskets from the Dollar Store and cages his crops.

[@AmandaEverse]

Fantastic info, as always!

[@jnorth9702]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@melissamiew4056]

Question - Do you ever start beans inside or do you direct sow those? Or do you even grow them at all? Finally going to be using my raised bed this year. Got some new stuff like Okra and garlic chives starting in their trays under lights. Lot's of lettuce and flowers. Most of my food that my family enjoy are direct seeding plants, like corn and beans.

[@qweenray2000]

Hi, new to your channel and just love all the info you share and especially your positive vibe. So I'm in the process of making my own elevated raised bed(love DIY everything) so I was wondering should I still use a liner since it's elevated?

[@stephanyg2208]

Can you do a video on how to plan and what to plant. I have had the hardest time figuring out how to plan a bed layout...what to plant where/spacing etc. can you give an example of a bed layout with basic veggies. Please!?!

[@kirinchimera4707]

We use pressure treated after doing some research. The use of arsenic was banned in 2003.

[@katherineparrish5309]

Thank you for all you’re doing, especially during this crazy time! It’s really helpful! Do you still use biotome when you direct sow seeds?

[@laurasennott]

Laura I’ve grown corn and cucumbers on a couple of occasions and they didn’t have good flavor, what would cause that?

[@rebekahtodd3293]

My question is, what hair color do you use?! I love it! Love the cut and color!

[@aimster1800]

I was thinking about starting a raised garden bed. In another video you talked about this new kind of fabric raised garden bed. Did that work out well for you?

[@0slamyx0]

How often do you add compost to raised beds?

[@naomidenisepinedaspirit-bo7955]

When you prepare for next sowing

[@wendyriggi4834]

Great video! Can you tell me where you got the arch you have at the entrance to your garden? It’s beautiful and I’d like to use the same at the gate to our backyard!

[@michelledipasquale6859]

Very timely video for us - thank you! We just built and planted our first elevated garden bed. We used high quality organic soil with blood meal on top to deter the nyc squirrels. However this all seems to be attracting a lot of large flies. Will these flies impact the veggies (tomatoes, leaf lettuces, herbs and strawberries)? Do you have any tricks for deterring the flies? Thanks!!!

[@taylorleigh186]

Do you fill the taller raised beds with all soil or do you have something else underneath up to half full and then have soil put on top?

[@sarahthomas3149]

I have seen her put cinderblocks in the bottom of large planters so she didn’t have to fill it completely with soil. I wouldn’t recommend doing it if you plan on growing any root vegetables because they like the space.

[@anortherngardener8918]

Do you have advice on how to prepare your raised vegetable garden beds for winter? Do you cover your soil? Or leave it exposed then add compost to the top in the spring? Or another answer! Thank you

[@joanned951]

Thank you. What are your thoughts on putting down hardware cloth or weed cloth before putting the actual boxes down on the ground? Or, do you put any weed cloth inside the box?

[@LaMaiStyle]

I am going to build this next year. I am a beginner so I need all the help.

[@shirleysenkler781]

Thanks for the info on raised beds I can use on a balcony when the time comes.

[@robinsiebert9763]

May need to comment on the vegetables that you cannot plant in the same space as previous year, such as tomatoes. And maybe talk on companion plants.

[@annebrody2371]

Thank you for all your videos!! I start my day with one...(well, actually maybe more than one😇) I was wondering about the cloches. Are they glass or plastic? Where did you buy them. On my holiday travels through England, I see glass cloches regularly. Obviously they have a purpose, but they also look really good in a spring garden. In my dreams my vegy garden is big like yours, but in reality it is 15x20 In the city.

[@jewelltucker735]

Everything's looking good there I do have a question now what are those domes behind you and where can you get those

[@cynaminjarnagan544]

Based off of your recent Instagram photo With Benjamin wearing the hat, do you think you will have any more kids? We love watching you & your sweet family!

[@solomontown2808]

Excellent video

[@sophiagager]

Quick Question: I have a wood planter painted black do you think the paint chemicals will get absorbed into the produce? I know your raised beds aren't painted but just would like to have your opinion. Love all your videos :)

[@Bamboo4U2]

What's the VOC (volatile organic compound) rating of the paint? If you don't know, don't use it

[@claudiasmith9117]

Don't chance it. Your body is worth more than that AND you only have one. It's like getting that 'free soil'...you just dont know.

[@ThatGardener]

Learned a lot thank you so much

[@MetalMakeupxo]

Cedar actually works well to keep pests away as well 🙌🏽

[@josephnorcalusa1710]

helpful information, thank you for sharing !

[@eunicelunsted]

Thanks! I planted strawberries in my raised bed. The soil has sunk, now I want to add more soil. Do I have to pull them up , top up and replant to avoid covering the crown?

[@erinborrett2777]

Hi! I adore your channel! I have a question- is there a specific direction I should put my raised beds so that they get the right amount of light? Is out in the open without shade ok for veggies?

[@SharonJarrett-x7c]

We have been vegetable gardening for years. We like zucchini squash, but always lose the plants early due to squash bugs. We used 7 dust, but with no avail!! What do you suggest?

[@alpinereid5265]

Love your videos! Wondering if you can comment on companion planting and what should and should not be planted together. The kitchen planner seems to allow me to add potatoes and tomatoes in the same space. Thank you from Nova Scotia!

[@mariafolch8067]

You may want to check @bigcitygardener on Instagram. He put out that info on his page.

[@lupediaz2421]

Should I install a floor on my garden bed or use the existing ground. if I use the existing ground should It be soil or can it be the rocks like around the planter?

[@nikkihunter7606]

Hey Laura! This is my first year with a raised bed but I am a seasoned Gardner. Wanted something easier on my body! But what are the domes behind you in this video? Thanks for all you teach us!

[@mariafolch8067]

Those are cloches from @gardeners supply

[@nikkiwebber1349]

Hi Laura! I started a raised bed last year but had very bad luck with very little harvest. I battled disease, pests (both large and small) and might have had a soil problem. I believe I used bagged garden soil instead of raised bed or potting soil. Would you recommend I replace all the soil in the bed or do you think I could just lighten it up with something like peat moss and perlite? Thanks! ❤️❤️❤️

[@claytoncurry4374]

Does my dahlia tuber have to be in the ground in a raised bed? I plan on planting some dahlia tubers in a new raised bed. The height of the raised garden bed is 10.5 inches high. Can the tuber be just planted in the soil with weed block fabric underneath? I think that will be enough cause dahlias only like to be planted a few inches deep. Thanks.

[@ortizle1]

very informative, thank you

[@kandidarnell3699]

I know this is not about raised beds but can you plant sweet pepper plants with super bells grape punch and sweet allysum in a pot.

[@SarahJohnson-tg5kc]

Thank you. What are those plastic things over the plants? That would be helpful in our garden. Lots of grasshoppers eating everything.

[@harleyglohe2868]

Hey Laura, I am building my wife a few raised garden beds in our yard. I've watched all of your videos regarding these however, I was wondering what the minimum depth you would recommend would be for growing vegetables? Thanks

[@itsmekristy]

Your videos are the best! I was just watching a bunch of old ones on shade plants. For my residence beds, we use cedar fence post!

[@gloryb2777]

Hi. Just wondering how you keep your stones free from weeds without effecting your vegetable plants or getting those weed killing chemicals into them? Thanks!!

[@AmandaCornell]

Question: what are the plastic domes on your plants, do you have a link to buy them? What has been your experience, would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

[@lunakat2755]

How long do you run your drip irrigation on your vegetable garden beds?

[@desigrl7474]

Hi Laura... Do you ever use manure on a every year type schedule.. And how do you feel about it? Also do you use worm casting in your raised beds.. And how do you feel about that? I have specifically used chicken manure and its worked amazing!!! Do you use or have used that?

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

A gal I work with used to have chickens and she had thrown some old green pepper plants in that area. New pepper plants started growing and they grew the best ones she ever had! They looked like the big green peppers you see in the produce aisle at the stores! They must like a lot of nitrogen!

[@NIKIFANDY]

great video & thank you 👍

[@marym4092]

Where do you get The small covers on the raised bed that is right behind you on the video?

[@lizwetherington1618]

Do you ever foliar feed?

[@christifranks1116]

I'm getting caught up on older videos. This morning I watched one from two years ago where you set up the cedar beds from Gardeners Supply in the vegetable garden and then autoplay took me to this video and these are redwood beds. What prompted you to change from cedar to redwood? Did I miss that video? If so, can you link it here so I can watch it? I did square foot gardening years ago in raised beds and I loved it but didn't have enough sun to sustain it. Some trees are gone now so I'd like to try again and was considering the GS cedar beds but am wondering why you switched them for redwood. Thanks!

[@valjalava1951]

Very nice what are your plastic buckets behind you what are they for

[@naominicole369]

Can you grow Cilantro, green onions and jalapeños together in the same planter box or Pot?