Raised Beds - Material List & Construction

From our valued MG Jill:

Here is what you need to construct a raised bed
measuring 36W"x120"Lx18"H: all wood is redwood.

6 pcs. 2"x6"x36"
6pcs. 2"x6"x120"
6pcs. 2"x4"x16.5"

1lb box #8 deck screws 2.5" long
1/4" mesh hardware cloth 36"x120"

Chop saw
drill
drill bits ( one for counter-sinking)

Choose top boards with care. Look for the smoothest
edges to prevent splinters. As a general rule the
smoohest side should always face outward. I buy the
10' boards standard and have 12' boards cut into four
equal lengths. The 2'x4's are also cut to length.
You will need one 10'er per bed. This will change as
each 10' board yields an extra piece that can be used
in the next bed. You may find that purchasing a
different size based on your overall needs may be more
cost efficient.

I choose my boards for the short sides, lay them out
top to bottom, then measure in from the end 1.,5
inches( the width of a 2x4 and mark that line. Place
a 2x4 along the line and begin pre-drilling holes
where necessary (two holes per board). Assemble the
short sides first then lay in the long boards one by
one on each side. Again, pre-drilling where
necessary. Once the bed is assembled I add screws at
each corner for added support. Then I place a 2"x4"
support at the center point of each long side of the
bed. Now the bed can be set in place on top of the
mesh. I place newspaper on top of the mesh to help
prevent weeds from growing through. I wet the paper
thoroughly, then add soil on top of the paper. Expect
the soil to settle about 10-20% so over fill a little
bit. You may need to cut the mesh around any
irrigaton lines that come into the beds.

16 August Design Meeting & Dreaming

The Gardening Action Team met with Master Gardener Jill (MG Jill) this evening to map Aveson's designated organic gardening space and exchange ideas about layout and intended use.

The eastern wall was earmarked for a composting area. The compost system will be progressive - with four cycles. Each cycle will occupy a 36x36 inch cube. To be constructed.
Classrooms and the lunch area will be outfitted with 5 gallon buckets for student collection and delivery of compost.

An arbor was proposed to provide a shaded learning area that can be adapted for lectures, hands on activities, feasting and community gathering. Grapes and vines may be trained along the arbor. Hay bales - which are inexpensive, easy to move and can be turned into mulch - will be used to create a circular seating area. To be constructed.

3x10ft planters will be positioned throughout. To be constructed.
To maximize harvests, MG Jill is proposing the Square Foot Gardening Method. See Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew.

A split rail/ found wood fence decorated with recycled materials - by the students - was proposed to create a visual entry point on the West side. To be constructed.

A deep outdoor sink for washing hands and produce is needed.

A tool shed is needed.

Drip irrigation and multiple hose outlets will be installed by Aveson's Facility Manager, Phil.

The following resources were identified:

Compost
Von's - Pick up is in Sunland; email curt7.smith@safeway.com

Zeke the Sheik - though MG Jill advises that this compost requires more "cooking" time and is best to collect over the summer months when it has time to develop.

Curriculum

Life Lab Science Program - LOTS of gardening info for teachers

The Banana Slug String Band combines science and music. Their website contains infectious song lyrics about garden science.

Path to Freedom - Pasadena's Dervaes family offers a power point presentation for older students about sustainable living, gardening and urban homesteading.

Solar Living Institute

In Phase II there are visions of an orhcard at the West end, a greenhouse, a line of recycled bicycles that can be used to generate electricity and/or grind and blend foods.