Raised Beds
Containers
& Pathways

     G arden design is important to maximize use of space, to create accessible work spaces, and to make the garden attractive.   Soil quality must also be considered; raised beds and/or containers are recommended for gardens with poor soil or little space.

• prevents trampling of soil & plants.
• better aeration & drainage, more room for roots to spread.
• enables easier use of better suited soil.

• width ideally limited 3 - 4 ft. to allow reaching from either side.
• length can vary - popular length is 8 ft.
• plot the site for number of beds. Stake and string dimensions.
• run beds north & south to maximize sunlight on plants.

• frames often constructed of rot-resistant lumber (redwood and cedar), bricks, or cinder blocks.
• height can range from 10 - 24 inches.
• use 4 x 4 posts in wood frames for greater stability. Use quality deck screws to secure frame together.
• line bottom with chicken wire or hardware cloth to deter gophers and moles.
• add prepared soil inside finished frame level to top.
• soak soil with water before planting. Soil will settle 2 - 3 inches from top.

• mound prepared soil with rake to a height of 12 - 18 inches.
• level top of mound, sides slope down at 45 degree angle.
• finished mound is 4 - 6 inches high.
• soak soil with water before planting. Soil will settle. Add more if necessary.

• provide gardening alternative to schools with little or no ground space.
• can provide decorative additions to school and garden grounds.
• ideal for controlling invasive items that can spread in open garden space (mint, oregano).
• flexible - some containers can be easily moved, taken indoors on cold nights.

• should be made of rot-resistant material and have drainage holes.
• should hold 3 gallons of soil for large/deep rooted plants or 1 gallon of soil for smaller/shallow rooted plants.
• use a light soil mix:  50% commercial potting soil, 25% sand, and 25% vermiculite or perlite.
• leave 1 - 3 inch basin below lip of container for watering and mulch.
• need to be fertilized and watered often - do no allow soil to become parched.
• can be used to grow most vegetables and flowers with exceptions of those that need to grow in large stands to set fruit (corn), need large root areas (potatoes), or need a large trellis for vining (pole beans).
• Container Gardening - tips on types of containers, soil mixes, what to plant, watering, fertilizing and more from the Gardener's Supply Company.

• underlay with black plastic, cover with few inches of mulch, bark, or chips.
• permanent materials could include brick, stone, or concrete.