Ready to Dig In? Our Beginning to Create Durable Raised Garden Beds Turned Into a Labor of Love to Help Others do the same.

How We Became Backyard Garden Growers: Our Gardening Adventure Begins

In 2010, my husband, my mom, and I built five large garden beds (16’ x 4’ x 18” high) to transform our backyard into a vibrant source of fresh vegetables and herbs.  We rented a small Bobcat tractor from Home Depot to remove our invasive Bermuda grass and dug up six inches of earth to ensure all the roots had been removed. 

At the time, we were a family of three and we all did our part to construct these beatiful beds, even my mom, who my husband insists is the best worker he's ever known.

Well, that's no surprise! Farm girls KNOW hard work– it runs through their viens, generations deep.

My Mom's senior pic, circa 1965.

Getting Started: The Decision to Raise

As more people choose to live sustainably, building these elevated garden spaces not only promotes backyard-to-table living but also empowers us to take charge of our food supply while deepening our relationship with food, our health, and nature. We handpicked a sunny area in our backyard to ensure our vegetables would soak up sunlight throughout the day, and opted for raised garden beds because of the two main benefits that make them an excellent choice: 

1. Better Drainage: Since raised beds are elevated, they provide excellent drainage, reducing the risk of water logging that can lead to root rot.

2. Improved Soil Quality: You have complete control over the soil mix, enabling you to create the perfect environment for your plants. This means you can use a combination of quality compost, organic matter, and topsoil to ensure continuous nutrient supply.

Materials Used

Here are essential bed-building materials:

• Wood: We chose and continue to choose rot-resistant redwood. Cedar is another good choice. These two types can last up to 20 years when properly maintained. 

• Tools: All that’s needed is a saw, drill, and screws. Fun fact that you may already know: Home Depot and Lowe's will make cuts at no charge, which is often easier.

• Soil: We created a nutrient-rich environment by mixing composted tea to dirt that we had delivered by a dump truck. That was the most cost-effective way and gave our plants the essentials they needed for healthy growth. Soil options depend on the size of a project. 

Choosing The Right Plants for Raised Garden Beds

Basic rules for green thumbs:

1. Companion Planting

We love companion planting. By practicing this method, we naturally deter pests, resist fungus, and improve the growth (and even the flavor) of our harvests. Companion planting is a lengthy topic that deserves and requires it’s own blog post. :)

2. Square Foot Garden Planning

Grow more in less space! This method allows for more plants per square foot. We find this to be a great method for schools.

3. Herbs Galore!

We also incorporate many herbs into our beds. Basil, rosemary, and cilantro, to name a few, not only enhance our backyard-to-table meals but also thrive in raised beds. They also add fragrance and beauty to our garden. Some even help repel unwanted visitors and act as companions.

Sustainability & Sharing

Our gardening experience doesn't just yield fresh food; it has also opened avenues for sustainable practices. We adopted composting, turning kitchen scraps and yard waste into rich compost that nourishes our soil. This practice reduces our household waste by about 30%.

Not only do we benefit fom our bountiful backyard garden, but so do our neighbors… and other do as well.

Services

After we completed our project, we quickly started to donate our time to building gardens at elementary schools and introduced the square foot gardening method to kids. 

In 2020, we started an online business and offered our services to families. Today, we continue to offer services and classes in-person and online.

Learning Through Experience and Perseverance

Becoming backyard garden growers has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in our lives. With some basic materials, a willingness to learn, and a healthy dose of patience and perseverance, anyone can begin this gratifying journey.

Make it Happen For You

Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious yard, there are always opportunities to grow food. We encourage you to embark on your own gardening adventure. Contact me for class information!