Any green thumbs out there?

brij2006 · April 2014

I have a stupid question from a non-green thumb (I've killed bamboo).

We're building raised garden beds in our backyard to plant things in instead of using a bunch of pots. So what kind of dirt do you fill it with? Do you mix in other fertilizers and things too?

My dad is a farmer and he has a mound of peat dirt that he said he will load up for me and I can use, but do I need to add anything to that? Do I need to put rocks or anything in the bottom of it? Of course I ask him and his response is that he plants acres, not boxes.

A Google search isn't giving me any luck.

If it matters, we live in the midwest where it rains all spring then gets crazy hot and humid in the summer.

islandmonkey8 · April 2014

I've never done it, but thought about it.

Maybe this will help: http://gardenclub.homedepot.com/dos-and-donts-for-your-raised-garden-bed-2/

BruinsBabe33 · April 2014

I've also killed bamboo, you don't want my advice.

LuckyAngel07 · April 2014

I'll get DH's input when he gets up. He has 2 square raised beds he's been planting in for the last 3 summers with decent success.

nfp147 · April 2014

If you are putting your raised bed on the ground, I would suggest putting down a layer of landscape fabric to try to stop the weeds from coming through.

I usually just use top soil/black dirt in my raised bed, but soilless mix in my pots.

brij2006 · April 2014

@nfp147 I had planned to put down chicken wire on the bottom since we sometimes have mole issues. Don't want them digging up and getting my plants.

Do you mix any fertilizer or compost in with the dirt?

cloudymeatballs · April 2014

I'm bookmarking this. I am so not good with plants. Seems like they all die, even the easy ones. LOL.. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. But, I am in the process of doing what you are Brij... So hopefuly we get the answers

nfp147 · April 2014

brij2006 said:

@nfp147 I had planned to put down chicken wire on the bottom since we sometimes have mole issues. Don't want them digging up and getting my plants.
Do you mix any fertilizer or compost in with the dirt?

You could do both. Chicken wire won't stop weeds!

I don't mix anything in, but that's because I'm cheap. My Dad swears by manure and fertilizer and always has beautiful plants and flowers.

CincodeMayoLove · April 2014

I'm really cheap and just use dirt and homemade compost to my boxes. This is my first year for the boxes so we'll see how it goes. The fabric is a great idea, maybe even fabric and the chickenwire (moles could get through fabric and weeds through chicken wire)
I don't like fertilizer because chemicals

brij2006 · April 2014

As far as fertilizer I was thinking chicken poop (chikadee-doo-doo). So it's a natural chemical.

I will definitely put both the fabric and chicken wire. Those darn moles better not eat my veggies, and I hate weeding!

seahorse01 · April 2014

I think using fertilizer is a good idea. We always used cow manure when I was growing up and had hearty vegetable gardens.

CincodeMayoLove · April 2014

That kind of fertilizer I'm down with cow manure and chickadee do doo are good plans . Sorry I misunderstood

cinderin · April 2014

You can get organic fertilizer - at least in Seattle (of course). :-)

We compost (I promise I am only slightly crunchy) our kitchen waste (fruit and veggies) as well as leaves. If you get a chance to do that, I recommend it.

Any green thumbs out there?

Re: Any green thumbs out there?

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