This is our homestead from upstate NY. I wanted to share photos of how beautiful and productive and practical a raise bed kitchen garden can be. The beds are simple pine covered in linseed oil. It’s really the only organic preserver you can use when growing organic. The aisles are covered in weed fabric and topped with pea gravel to control weeds, mud, and slugs. It’s pretty too.
There are over 23 beds of different lengths, but nothing wider than four feet in order to reach the center. I’m practicing the square foot gardening techniques by Mel Bartholomew. It is really is amazing how much can be grown in a small space.
It’s easy to see how the plants become for themselves green mulch to sub-press weeds and conserve water. of course there’s always a little weed management, but I’d do it in the morning with a cup of coffee in one hand and a garden claw in the other, or just with my fingers.
Crop rotation, companion planting, inter planting, and movable trellising are all made easier. I’d draw out the boxes every winter and plan the plantings for the next Spring. To me, it’s a lot of fun.
I usually over planted. We always had enough to eat. And, with lots of variety.
Bonus, the raised beds made work easier on the back.
Give it a try!
Thank you CM. I enjoyed sharing. I hope it helps to reinforce the message and encouragement You and CD are trying to get out to the big crazy world.
If follow-up, lumber has gotten pretty expensive. Five years after getting the beds in you have to start replacing the wood Due to rot and separation. We’ve found a man on you-tube who shows you how to make concrete retainers for raised beds that interlock with each other. Really look, and a one time investment. We’ll definitely use his idea on the next kitchen garden.
Tom, thank you so much for posting these amazing pictures of your garden. I can't wait to see what you do when you get your new property! — CM