Starting a Raised Bed

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StressedTek Racine, WI(Zone 5a) Aug 21, 2007

I'm not sure if this should be here in landscaping or in beginning gardners, so forgive me if this should be else where...

I have a small flower 'garden' that runs the length of our garage. This was the first year I planted anything there and it hasn't been great. The soil is all clay and rocks, so I've decided that want I want to do is bring in a load of 'dirt' and dump it on top of the existing dirt. I'm guessing this would be considered a raised bed. So here are the questions I have:

1. Is top soil what I want? Or is there another grade of soil that I should be lookin for?

2. How do I figure how much soil I need? How deep should I plan on? Do I need 2 feet of soil? 1 foot? 6 inches? I really have no clue.

3. Would it be better to do this in fall? or Spring?

Any suggestions are most appreciated!

Christy

Post #3879899
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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Aug 21, 2007

Is the bed right up against the side of the garage? If so, you don't want to pile extra dirt on top, if you want to improve your soil you'll have to dig out some of what's there and replace it with good dirt.

Post #3880153
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StressedTek Racine, WI(Zone 5a) Aug 21, 2007

Yes, the bed is right up against the side of the garage. Ok, this is probably an ignorant questions, so forgive me, but why shouldn't I add dirt on top of the existing bed? If I move it out a foot or so would that make a difference?

Christy

Post #3883729
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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Aug 22, 2007

You can add dirt to existing beds, the problem is piling dirt up against the wall of the garage, that's the part that's not good. If you do want it against the garage and it has to be a raised bed, what you'd need to do is build a frame around the bed (or at least at the back) so that the soil doesn't come in contact with the side of the garage.

Post #3883862
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StressedTek Racine, WI(Zone 5a) Aug 22, 2007

Now I got it! Thanks for the explanantion, I was having a 'duh' moment. So, if we decide to frame the bed in how deep would recommend the soil being? I know some bulbs have to be planted 6 inches, but I'm guessing to make room for roots and such it would need to be a bit deeper than that.

Thanks ecrane! You always have a wealth of knowledge!

Post #3885878
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