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Re: Raised beds

At 03:03 PM 1/12/97 +0000, you wrote:
>Hope its OK to add just a little to the other comments on the
>subject.
>
>>My question is do I really need
>>to make a raised bed to sqft or can I do without it, the pictures
>>in the book all seem to be of squares without a raised bed around
>>them. Is it just for looks or does it really serve a purpose (other
>>than making the bed a little higher off the ground thus easier to
>>reach).
>
>I'm surprised that deep beds are not an established part of the SQFT
>system,  given that one of the objectives of SQFT,  is to grow crops
>at higher densities than normal gardening methods.  One of the
>supposed advantages to the deep bed system is that it encourages and
>enables more growth downwards rather than sideways,  thus permitting
>higher planting densities.  Also with a deeper root system crops are
>less prone to drought.  The preparation of deep beds also gives the
>opportunity to remove stones and add compost/humus to the soil.  I've
>been preparing deep beds this Winter with permanent paths between the
>beds.  I've removed soil from the paths down to a little over a spade
>depth and I've been surprised how much this soil has added to the
>depth of the beds on either side.
>
>Best wishes
>
>Joe Hemmens
>
>
I prepare deep beds, but i don't believe that *raised* beds is always the
proper way to do it. When i gardened in Massachusetts the soil drained a bit
too well, so i left everything at ground level. Raising the bed would have
caused the soil to dry out too fast. One would have to consider all the
local factors, including drainage and soil type, before deciding the best
way to prepare a bed.

Respectfully,

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