Outdoors

[stacya]

Hi there,

I would like to make a raised bed that is 22ft x 7ft. The soil in our yard is very hard and compact with mostly clay. I think a raised bed will be best to keep the soil rich for our vegetable garden. Could someone please help me calculate how many bags of soil I will need. Would I need only top soil or a mix?

Thanks,

Stacy

[Pat_HD_ATL]

Hi Stacy!

One of our product experts, RicksPicks, posted an outstanding summary of soil amendments and their ratios for raised beds.

Have a look.

Calculating how many square feet of the blended amendments you will need is as easy as multiplying the length (22 feet) time the width (7 feet) by the height (you did not specify).

In his post, Rick provides the estimated square feet of amendment per bag and the ratios for mixing ... which should make your job of purchasing the correct number of bags much easier.

Our Garden Associates are starting a rooftop garden on the parking deck here in Atlanta. Check back to "see" the images and read the progress from time to time.

We would also love to see your garden and read about your progress, so come on back and give us the details on the Community.

[jlolivas]

Hello! I am brand new to gardening and I would like to start a vegetable garden. Any ideas how to start making a raised ed and what plants to start with? We live in El Paso, TX. Thanks! Jennifer

[Gail_HD_OC]

Hi Jennifer and welcome!

You can use this link that ricks picks did to start your raised garden.

If you haven’t gardened before I would start with tomatoes, carrots and radishes for ease of care.  I like to plant cilantro, onions and peppers also . None of these require any specialized soils to grow, just use a fertilizer like miracle-gro or a fertilizer designed for vegetables to keep them going, and follow directions for use.

 I like to water every day to start, then deep water every other day after they have had a chance to establish themselves.

If you get a really hot day or week keep an eye on your vegetables, you may have to add a day of water. Only water them in the morning to keep diseases from getting a hold.

I hope this helps let me know how you are doing!