build a Raised Bed

When planning where to put your raised bed, remember: location, location, location. Pick a site with at least 5 to 8 hours of sunlight, away from conifers, oaks, eucalyptus trees; easy access to irrigation. Plan your layout and quantity of plants based on what you will actually consume; spaced with room to grow; placed so taller plants don’t shade shorter plants. Take pen to paper to plan, get your supplies, and get to work prepping your space. Print the list below to help you prepare for what you need to get started. Clear grass, weeds and debris from your bed area. Lay down weed cloth and spread mulch in the area where your bed will live for extra protection.

If you are starting a project of building your own raised garden bed, or looking to purchase a ready-made bed; Friedman’s has the materials you need.

Vegetable gardens typically require watering 1-2 times per week. A watering schedule does require some trial and error. Feel your soil. When the soil sticks in your hand and you can form it into a ball, it is moist enough. If the soil barely holds together in the palm of your hand, or if the surface looks hard, baked, or cracked, it is probably dry and it’s time to water. Knowing your specific watering needs; you can choose to create an automated system to irrigate your garden or water your plants manually.

Research spring/summer vegetables and herbs. Consider what your family will eat and what you might like to store. With our amazing climate, you can switch out to fall/winter vegetables for a year-round garden. With so many to choose from; this list is just a start to get you thinking.

Herbs and vegetables like a lot of mild fertilizer to grow. Organic food provides a safe, slow-release option. Purchase the type of fertilizer you are most likely to use: Dry – scatter on the soil around the plants and gently mix in to the soil. Liquid concentrate – use a hose end sprayer or mix with water in a bucket. Powder water soluble – use a powder approved hose end sprayer or mix with water in a bucket.

MONITOR FOR PESTS
Vegetable gardens can attract friends. From aphids to deer and gophers – you will have competition for your valuable produce.

• For snails & slugs use copper tape or snail/slug control.
• For deer & rabbits use perimeter netting or vegetable garden approved repellent.
• For gophers use sonic gopher repellent or traps.
• For insects use multi-purpose insecticide – like controls containing neem or horticultural oil.
• For ants use ant bait.

MONITOR FOR FUNGUS & DISEASE

• Control your watering; remember, no overhead/over-leaf watering.
• If problems arise, control with copper or sulfur based fungicides.