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Re: best edging for raised beds



Barbara J. Davis wrote:

> Hello, Melissa.  Thanks for the advice, but isn't 1" material a little
> thin for holding in dirt for several (many, I hope) years?  My husband
> always knew these things and built for me so that I didn't have to know
> them.  To answer your question, I moved here last fall from Kimberly,
> about 65 miles northwest of John Day.  Since my daughter lives in Plano,
> north of Dallas, I moved closer to her as I couldn't maintain our ranch
> alone.  Every fall, for many years, we had hunters from Eugene---a man and
> his two sons---during deer and elk seasons.  You didn't say where you live
> in Texas.

Barbara;

It seems the purpose of your whole move was to cut down on hard work that you may no longer want to do. So.....why not try a more hassle-free approach to gardening, as well. Raised beds are an excellent solution if bending or stooping is a problem,
but you should also consider the "lazy bed" or no-till type of solution, where you keep applying layers of straw or compost to otherwise untilled soil.

In the warmer climate you have moved to, this has big advantages: the mulch layers keep the soil cool and preserve moisture. You should use mulch even if you opt for raised beds. Try letting the natural grasses grow as tall as possible before
mowing, and start mulching your garden area with the clippings - or start a compost heap with them.

I know the climate varies throughout Texas, but you may have to learn a bit about drip irrigation in your new area. Drip irrigation works beautifully with the square-foot garden scheme.

Best Wishes

Ben

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