My DH is wanting to start growing our own veggies (in a small amount). He even bought some transplants yesterday. However, we have no beds started!! LOL So, he's going to make the frames for them today. We've decided to make them 10' long and about 3' wide and 1' deep (we're using 2"x6" boards for the frame). How deep does the soil need to be? Is 6" deep enough or should we go for 12"? We'll need to get some dirt this week.
Stephanie, clueless veggie gardener
Veggie Beds
Your raised beds, especially if the native soil not ideal, should be at least 12" high. Most shallow rooted vegetable plants will grow well in a foot of soil. Deep rooted plants, such as tomato plants, may need 18" to 24" raised beds. Depending on the quality of the soil you put in the bed, you'll need to mix about 4" of compost and a complete fertilizer. You may want to visit the Vegetable Forum for more information.
Thanks, Betty. I've been lurking on the veggie forum. Our soil is horrible so we know we already have to do the raised beds. We plan on getting a good quality soil (from Silver Creek) for the beds.