New Beginnings and Raised Bed Gardening

 

The weather has been fantastic, in the 70’s and at times overcast.  Honestly, I couldn’t ask for much more and I finally removed myself from heavy distractions so I could rediscover “new beginnings” in our raised bed garden.

I ended up redoing the layout due to shifting from heavy rainfall. I liked what we created, but I knew with our soil and those heavy corners, they would always move and that would drive me crazy.  

So instead of nine beds I went with six and established each one on more of a flat surface. 

Raised Bed Brick Corners and Boards

My progress in the garden this week was pretty fantastic.  The soil smelled like heaven; I feel blessed to be working with dirt that is fluffy and full of life.  

I’ve been sharing these images on Instagram and several have messaged asking where I got these corners and what are they made of.  Originally, we were going to cast our own cement corners. 

Instead, we went to Home Depot and picked out several under $4 each. 

Getting the ground level was the next challenge and I can see where a few adjustments may be necessary once I begin filling these beds with soil.

I used three tools, a shovel, rake and this nifty little tiller also from Home Depot.  Each tool allowed me to break up the ground and smooth it out.

I'm also using 8ft. pine boards cut into three and five feet.  Then each board is sealed with a natural clear coating on the exterior.  

You can see they are slightly discoloring which I really like.  They will eventually blend beautifully with the trees in the background.

Next Up

My next project is to clear that back area where the weeds took over.  You can't see it but beneath those weeds sits a wonderful pile of topsoil just waiting to be relocated.  

Working outside in this fresh air I must say is simply the best.  I mean really what could be better?  Well maybe a furry friend as my garden companion but that too will come when the time is right.

This garden really does feel like a new beginning and stage one is off to a great start.  We do have several projects brewing before this space will be ready for planting so we hope to keep the progress going so we can be ready for planting by next spring.  

Be the Good,

Carole

 

If you like this project, my new book, Garden Up Green has an entire chapter of DIY projects.  Learn how to establish and grow in raised beds because it really is fun to harvest your own food and flowers from your land.