I love the idea of getting dinner from the backyard! No matter if you've got 25 acres of land to work with or a balcony, you can grow yourself a little garden. The next few months I'll be checking in and letting you see the progress of this garden and I'd love to hear about yours!
If you remember, we moved a few months ago to a new house. Ever since, I've been dying to get my hands in the soil! I'm so excited gardening season is just about here!
My parents were up visiting this weekend, so like a typical daughter, I thought I'd take advantage of my Dad's handy skills!
I decided that making my own raised garden bed would be a. much cheaper and b. more fun! They do sell kits online, but they do require some assembly and can be very expensive.
So, here's the space we were working with (that's my awesome Dad!):
We decided on a 8x4x2 size. They were 12 inches high. So first things first, we had to get rid of that yucky bush. Thanks Mom for doing the digging!
Gone!
Next, we made the frame. And when I say we, I mean my Dad did most of it!
 "1111g4")
We used redwood for the frame. It's super strong and won't warp or rot. We bought 3 eight foot long boards and had one cut in half for the sides. Next we (my Dad) pre-drilled the holes and used three 3/8 lag bolts to fasten the corners.
We placed the frame right on top of the grass. (no need to dig it up)
Next, line the bottom with newspaper. One Sunday paper will do the job. I had to place that Tom Ford add on top just for good measure : )
Time to fill with dirt! We used a combo of Kellog's Natural Soil and Miracle Grows Organic Soil. Sorry for the horribly ucky picture of me looking right into the sun!
Level out all the soil and voila! A raised garden bed!
Our dog Pepe seems to be getting used to the new addition in his backyard.
Total cost for everything: $150! A far cry less then buying the kits. I also spent more to get organic soil.
Be sure to come back tomorrow to see what I planted!
How exciting!!! Can’t wait to see all beauty that sprouts up! …And the yummy recipes to follow…
Ohmygosh- Love this Leslie! You make it looks so manageable and are demystifying the process for me. I SOOOO want to do this. Now I just need a man to help with the boxes..Ha!
We are trying this too. We have 6 coffins (sorry – but ours are raised above the ground to keep the gophers and rabbits out) and they look like little coffins. We have broccoli and peas growing right now. it’s fun and doesn’t require so much “bending over” to take care of them. Great idea, Leslie.
oooh! Janelle, that sounds great! Be sure to send pictures!