Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & II • March 24, 2010 Home Improvement & Gardening (ARA) The popularity of gardening has exploded over the past couple of years, due in part to increased awareness about food safety, the financial stresses of the economy, and a growing desire to be eco-friendly. Some of the most enjoyable, userfriendly gardens, like vegetable and herb gardens or cut-flower gardens, perform exceptionally well in raised beds. Plants tend to perform better in raised beds than in regular beds because there is less soil compaction (since the gardener is not treading between the plants) and they allow for excellent drainage. “I’ve been gardening in raised beds for over 30 years, and I’m convinced they’re the best way to grow,” said Paul James, HGTV’s Gardener Guy. “One of the things I like most about raised beds is that they warm up faster in spring and stay warmer longer in the fall, which means a longer growing season and an extended harvest.” While raised beds are extremely func- Spring Get a jump on growing food and flowers with raised beds tional, they can also add style to a yard or garden. The organized appearance of the beds lends a handsome structural element. Quality, durable materials last longer and look better. Western red cedar is a strong choice for building garden beds because it is easy to work with, rot-resistant, and ages beautifully, maintaining its shape and strength over the years, even when exposed to extreme weather. Those who are concerned about the environment can take comfort in the fact that it is an authentically sustainable, renewable green building material. Making your own raised garden beds is an easy and fun project, but having a helper will make the job easier. Follow these tips and get growing. Plan ahead to keep the bed size manageable. A bed measuring about three feet by six feet is a good size. The bed should be at least a foot high. If you want it higher, just add another board, but keep in mind that you will need to add extra soil. Lackland Self Storage Month’s Rental Purchase First Month and Get the Second Month Free! Based on Availability New Tenants Only FREE Save $10 211 Route 17 Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 (201) 236-8100 www.LacklandSelfStorage.com Off Your Next Packing Supplies or Box Purchase of $20 or more. Buy the materials: Western red cedar boards (2 x 6 work well), four three-foot lengths and four six-foot lengths; western red cedar posts (4 x 4), for corner supports, cut to 18 inches each; and threeinch galvanized screws, about 35 to 40. Cut the ends of the 18-inch post lengths to a sharp point with a saw. These pointed ends will go into the soil to support the bed. Lay two post lengths down and place two three-foot planks on top of them (to equal 12 inches in height) and line up the edges along the sides and to the top of the posts (the unsharpened end). Predrill holes using a bit that is smaller than the screws, then put in the screws. Repeat with the other three-foot boards and 18inch posts to form the other short end of the bed. Add the long sides of the bed. Place one of the short sections you just made on a level surface, with the pointed ends up. Line one of the six-foot boards up so it is flush with the face of the short end, pre-drill holes and then add the screws to secure it. Repeat with a second six-foot board to equal 12 inches in height. Align the second short (three-foot) side of the box with the six-foot board so the face is flush with the end of the boards. Pre-drill holes and then drill in screws to secure. Finally, add the other two six-foot boards on the opposite side to complete the final side of the bed. Flip the box over. It is now ready to install. Before you put it in, prepare the area you will be using by turning over the soil and then leveling it out as best you can. After you have installed the box, fill it with a blend of soil and compost that is best for the type of plants you will be growing. This is just one way to build a raised bed garden. 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