Creating a Thriving Raised Bed Boulevard Garden: A Comprehensive Guide
Embarking on a gardening adventure can be both rewarding and challenging. Last month, we shared our initial raised bed garden plans. Now, we’re excited to dive into the details of how we transformed our vision into a flourishing reality. This project, while seemingly daunting at first, proved to be a testament to the power of preparation. The research and planning phases were extensive, but when it came time to actually get our hands dirty, the process was surprisingly smooth. We’re incredibly thankful to Duluth Trading Co. for providing the inspiration and motivation to bring this garden to life. Their support helped us create a vibrant and productive space right in our front boulevard.
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s revisit our initial plans. Understanding the vision is crucial to appreciating the journey.
Curbly (Inspired by Hip Chick Digs)
Our initial goal was to construct a series of raised garden beds to cultivate a small-scale vegetable garden. Originally, we intended to locate the garden in our sloped backyard. However, after carefully monitoring the sunlight exposure over several days (this area receives approximately 4 hours of direct sunlight) and consulting with neighbors who had experience growing vegetables in partial shade, we made a strategic decision to relocate the garden to our sun-drenched front boulevard. We believed that this location would provide the optimal conditions for our vegetables to thrive and maximize our chances of a successful harvest.
We initially planned to follow these detailed plans from Sunset to construct our garden beds from scratch. However, a combination of unforeseen circumstances, including an unusually wet spring with persistent rainfall and a series of travel commitments, unfortunately derailed our DIY aspirations. In the end, we opted for a more convenient solution and purchased a cedar garden bed kit. The assembly process was remarkably quick and straightforward, taking less than 30 minutes to complete. If you’re short on time or lack extensive DIY skills, this kit is an excellent option. We purchased four sets to create three distinct beds: two measuring 24 inches in height and one at 10 inches for our strawberry patch. However, if you have the time and a basic set of tools, building your own garden beds from scratch can be a simple and cost-effective project.
Assembling the cedar bed kit.
Adding weed-blocking fabric to the base of each bed.
The Square Foot Gardening Method: Maximizing Your Yield
When it came to selecting the optimal method for growing our vegetables, I dedicated countless hours to research, gathering inspiration from various sources, and seeking advice from local nurseries. The square foot gardening method emerged as a consistently recommended approach.
Square Foot Gardening
A friend who implemented the square foot gardening method in her raised garden beds last year reported exceptional success. She particularly appreciated the flexibility it offered in terms of soil mixture, which was especially reassuring for an inexperienced gardener like myself. The square foot gardening method is known for its efficient use of space and resources, making it ideal for small gardens or urban environments. It allows you to grow a wide variety of vegetables in a limited area, maximizing your yield and minimizing waste.
According to the principles of the square foot gardening method, the ideal soil mixture should consist of 1/3 vermiculite, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 blended compost. To determine the precise amount of soil mixture required, we calculated the total cubic footage of our beds (approximately 60 cubic feet, excluding the strawberry patch) and then divided the total by three to determine the quantity needed for each component.
Curbly
The only minor challenge we encountered was that the compost we ordered was packaged in 40 lb. bags, which we estimated to be approximately one square foot in volume. We also discovered that vermiculite can be relatively expensive, leading us to make a calculated decision to reduce the amount of vermiculite slightly and increase the proportion of blended compost in our soil mixture. While this deviates from the strict guidelines of the square foot gardening method, my friend had achieved a remarkably abundant harvest using a similar approach, so we decided to proceed with optimism. Here’s a breakdown of what we ultimately ordered:
- 6 – 2-cu. ft. bags of vermiculite – 12 cubic feet total
- 6 – 3-cu. ft. bags of peat moss – 18 cubic feet total
- 20 – 40 lb. bags of compost – approximately 20 cubic feet
Our mixing method involved combining one bag of vermiculite, one bag of peat moss, and two to three bags of compost at a time. This process required patience and effort but appeared to be the most effective way to ensure thorough mixing of the soil components. Even distribution of nutrients is key for healthy plant growth and optimal yields.
Curbly
After mixing the soil, we attached 1-inch PVC piping to the four corners of each bed and created a protective structure using 1/2-inch PVC pipes. We then secured bird netting to the pipes to deter squirrels and other foraging animals from snacking on our precious vegetables. This barrier helps protect the investment made to grow a bountiful harvest.
Installing PVC piping to create an archway with netting to deter snacking animals.
Planting with Precision: Implementing the Square Foot Method
When it came time to plant our vegetables, the square foot gardening philosophy proved to be incredibly valuable. We divided our beds into a grid pattern (16 squares per bed) and adhered to the planting guidelines based on the specific produce we were cultivating. For example, we allocated one square foot per tomato plant and planted 16 carrots per square. This strategic approach ensured optimal spacing and resource allocation for each type of vegetable.
Laying out our plants according to the Square Foot Gardening method.
Our vegetable selection included tomatoes, carrots, arugula, sugar snap peas, asparagus, a variety of peppers, lettuce, and herbs. We also established a small strawberry patch in the lowest bed, enclosed with wire garden fencing to protect the delicate berries. We primarily started our produce from established plants, with the exception of carrots and lettuce, which we grew from seed. Starting with established plants allowed us to get a head start on the growing season and enjoy a quicker harvest.
Essential Garden Gear: Comfort and Protection
Gardening is undoubtedly an exercise in patience. Planning and planting a vegetable garden requires time, effort, and, in my case, a few tears of frustration. Having the right tools and equipment (such as gloves, boots, and gardening tools) is essential, but wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing can significantly enhance the gardening experience.
For this project, we had the privilege of collaborating with Duluth Trading Co., a company renowned for producing high-quality, durable outdoor apparel. Features such as shirts with built-in air vents and pants designed to stay in place while bending and kneeling made us feel comfortable, protected from the sun, and even a bit stylish while working in the garden. Here’s a glimpse of our “his-and-her” gardening uniforms:
Bruno is garden-ready in his DTC Armachillo shirt, Fire Hose Work Pants, and Contractor’s Moc Toe Boots.
Alicia is happily planting in her DTC Armachillo shirt, and Bogs Harper Garden Boots.
While specialized gardening attire isn’t a prerequisite for a successful garden, we found that feeling comfortable and protected in our clothing significantly enhanced our enjoyment of the gardening process. Comfortable clothing makes it easier to spend time in the garden and tend to your plants.
Our Harvest and Future Plans
We’re currently in the initial stages of what we hope will be a bountiful vegetable garden. Once the plants are more established and producing a steady harvest, we’ll update this post with details on our progress. Gardening is an ongoing learning experience, and we’re excited to share our journey with you.
We’d love to hear about your summer vegetable and fruit garden plans! What are your favorite things to grow? Do you have any helpful tips for planning and planting? Please share your insights in the comments below. Your experience will certainly help others who are interested in growing their own food.
This post was sponsored by Duluth Trading Company (who generously provided us with some excellent gardening apparel to test). However, all opinions expressed are entirely our own.