Chapter 1 Part 1

Create an accurate to-scale sketch of,

A) The area you will turn into a garden.
B) The planned beds within the garden.
C) The compass rose to show direction/orientation.

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Chapter 1 Part 2

Record the dimensions of the beds you will build in either imperial or metric measurements, including depth, width and length of each bed. Be sure to label each bed with a number i.e. ‘Bed #1’, ‘Bed #2’, etc.

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Chapter 1 Part 3

Record the materials you are using to construct each bed. For example, 1x8 wood on edge OR 3 stacked pressure treated 4x4 landscape ties.

Raised beds are easier to work with: keeping out weeds, warming soil, clear edges.
Ideal width of garden beds is about 4.5 to 5 feet because: a) dimensions of materials, b) personal reach, c) 3 rows of veg fit d) accommodates a hoop house to extend seasons

Resawn aka 1’ x 8’ – least expensive & quick to assemble ($30 per bed)
Landscape ties – durable, pressure treated, add layers to deepen if you wish ($100 per bed)
Concrete blocks (8” x 8” x 16”) with dressed face & lids – best appearance, heavy, no tools needed to assemble ($200 per bed)

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Chapter 2

A) List what materials you are choosing to have as ground cover between and surrounding your garden beds. I used cardboard topped with wood mulch.
B) Assemble your garden beds and provide an image of them.

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Chapter 3

Lay your woodchips down in the garden and pathways. The suggested amount is about 10-12cms thick.

Provide the following:

A) A list of what you think will be your main pests to ’steal’ your veggies.
B) What method(s) you think will be best to deter/repel the pests.

For example:
Deer - A 6-foot high perimeter fence, posts at corners and mid-span holding up a nylon mesh fence, with the bottom perimeter held down with lengths of wood and/or metal poles.
Slugs - An open area with limited shelter and no shady hiding spaces.

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Chapter 4

Make a list of what inputs you will use to make your layers of soil in your garden beds. When you provide the list, start from the bottom of the bed and finish with the top layer. For example; cardboard, dry leaves, grass clippings, rotted manure and compost, purchased garden soil.

Understand the value of lasagna type layering in the soil
understand the options you have to fill your bed / create soil mixture
Green = nitrogen
Brown = carbon

Suggested materials:

Grass clippings
Dried leaves
Rotted compost/manure
Soil mix

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Shelby Swanson

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