Garden Tour

The first two beds are made from upturned cinder blocks.  This type of bed lasts nearly forever and provides a large number of 4" X 5" X 8" deep "pots" around the perimeter.  The aesthetics of this type of bed do not appeal to some and they take a moderate amount of time and effort to build.  Natural stone or decorative blocks can be used if desired.

Basil, strawberries, onions, and mint planted in the blocks with tomatoes, kohlrabi, swiss chard, broccoli, and cilantro in the bed.

More basil, strawberries, onions, and mint planted in the blocks with onions, celeriac, watermelons, cucumber, radishes, kale, and lettuces in the bed.

The last two beds are made from 2" X 8" boards.  These are quick and easy to set up, but will need to be replaced in time due to rot.  In wet climates these may only last a couple of years.  Here in Northwest Arkansas they should give 4-5 years of service before needing replacement.  Treated wood, waterseals, or paint can be used to prolong the life of the frame.  Out of concern for chemical leaching, these beds use untreated wood.

Tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, peppers, and spaghetti squash in these wood framed beds.

And now we join the 2010 growing season already in progress

Want to grow fresh veggies, fruits, eggs, or meat in your backyard, but don't know how?  Think it's too much work or too complicated?  It doesn't have to be hard.  This blog will follow our raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, berry bushes, chickens, a rain barrel, and a compost pile at our 1/10 of an acre suburban home in Northwest Arkansas.  We hope you enjoy it.

Main garden