My New & Improved Plan for Above Ground Gardening - Updated w/ Pic's

[journey11]

Yikes...

I lived in Killeen for a couple of years and I sure remember the evils of sandburrs. So you're putting it in over asphalt? You really don't have much in the way of options, do you. Container gardening might be easier. I think your plan would be fine, but I would still consider narrowing the width on your bed. You really don't want to have to walk on your soil and compact it if you can help it. With the heat/dryness of your area, there will be some things you probably won't be able to grow at that depth. And you'll definitely need to install drip irrigation and mulch very heavily to conserve moisture. Good luck with your project! Hope to see pics when it's done.

 

[NwMtGardener]

Yikes is right!!! So...i'm going to throw out a word here that everyone, me included, hates...Roundup. I know this is going to be your veggie garden, but desparate times call for desparate measures, and all that. I just really, STRONGLY, think that if that stuff is coming up through asphalt, its going to come right up through your dirt once you get your bed built. And it will definitely come right through weed fabric.

 

[wsmoak]

I'd still say nix the weed block fabric. It just doesn't work. Weeds and grass will go through it, and you'll be picking up bits of shredded black fabric for years.

Several layers of cardboard and newspaper is a better bet to smother weeds, and at least that will break down.

-Wendy

 

[OldGuy43]

I have the really bad trait of going overboard. I appreciate the reality check. Here's "My Newer & Improved Plan:

1. Downsize from 8' x 12' to 4' x 12' for easier planting, care and harvesting.

2. Substitute several layers of cardboard for the weed block fabric. (I really appreciate this idea. Not only will it probably work better, but it's free!)

3. Add a ring of copper wire to the top for snail control. (We've had a lot of snails here in the spring. I don't know that this will work, but it's worth a try. I have several old alternators and starters that I can dismantle for the wire.)

4. Watering; I think I'm going to stick with what I know here, a fan-type yard sprinkler and a cheap rain gauge.

Other than that I think I'll stick with my basic plan. I found this list of how plants are pollinated so I think I can get by with my screen wire idea. We'll see.

I'll start construction in a month or so, once it cools off a bit, let it lay fallow until about February and start planting than.

Thanks to all!

Keep those suggestions coming,

Mike

 

[lesa]

I think you are on the right track... the only thing I would add- invest in soaker hoses and get rid of the fan sprinkler. One of these days you will have a mildew problem, and be happy that you are not watering from above. And you don't have an evaporation problem, the water goes to the roots, right where you need it. Happy Gardening!

 

[thistlebloom]

I think your idea of the copper wire around the top is a good one.

A thought about the vinegar and salt weed control - the vinegar solution will only burn the leaves and not the roots, so it's something that you have to be really diligent to repeat until the plant has used up all its energy reserves and finally dies.
This isn't something you'd want to do to your garden soil of course, but it could be used around the perimeter to keep them from invading your raised bed. It sounds like you have a good plan in place. Now we'll be expecting pictures!

 

[vfem]

I think your idea of the copper wire around the top is a good one.

A thought about the vinegar and salt weed control - the vinegar solution will only burn the leaves and not the roots, so it's something that you have to be really diligent to repeat until the plant has used up all its energy reserves and finally dies.
This isn't something you'd want to do to your garden soil of course, but it could be used around the perimeter to keep them from invading your raised bed. It sounds like you have a good plan in place. Now we'll be expecting pictures!

Totally agree with all of that!

I do use the vinegar on my brick path to my door because the crab grass keeps growing in between the bricks and takes over in a few days!!! Just make sure you don't apply any closer then 6" to your garden's perimeter.

 

[OldGuy43]

New thought: I have several large sheets of Styrofoam (about a 1/4" thick) that I thought I might use as a weed block at the bottom of the garden. It wouldn't deteriorate like cardboard or paper?

 

[OkChickens]

Styrofoam will stay around for a while. The problem you might have is that the excess water needs a place to go when it draing through the soil. If there is not small holes or slits it will water log the soul and root the plants in the soil. Cardboard would be the easiest way to go probably. It's free and easy to find. Water will soak through cardboard but it will not with styrofoam.

Nate