What this class will not cover
● Growing tips● Cultivation techniques
Workshops that cover these topics: ● Early Spring Vegetable Gardening ● Summer Vegetable Gardening● Tomato Masters● Container Vegetable Gardening● Winter Vegetable Gardening
See our website for more details on classes: www.LoveAppleFarms.com
Class Guidelines
Please keep cross-talk to a minimum.
This presentation will be emailed to you, so you need not write everything down. If you don't get it, check your spam folder first, then email us to ask for it again.
Links List - Get on it!
It’ll be passed around.
Put your name and email address
Write legibly
Probably will go into your spam folder
Will have links to everything we talk about in class
Any troubles, email me at [email protected]
What are the essentialGARDEN ELEMENTS?
● Growing beds● Tool storage (including barrows)● Compost pile
What are you starting with?Base Ground
● Bare soil● Lawn● Gravel● Other hardscape (concrete, asphalt)● Balcony
Potential Sun Blockers● Buildings (permanent and seasonal)● Trellises (existing and future)● Fences (existing and future)
Best Position of Garden Beds
North to South or East to West?
How it affects growth:● Yield● Disease● Types of plants
In a Perfect Garden● Veg beds run north to south● If you can squeak one in that runs east to west, then do it,
but plan your plant positions accordingly.
Consider Irrigation
● Hand watering● Drip irrigation installation● Beds that are too long are
irrigated incorrectly ● Water source location● Easy to install - come to our
Drip class on April 9●
Let's Talk about Paths
● Walking ease● Barrow access● Shading of other beds● Plant growth onto paths
Too Narrow of Paths
● Folks can't walk side by side
● Plants take up path space as they grow
● Plants grown vertically shade their neighbors too much
Landscape Fabric for Weed Control in Paths
Great deal at Costco in spring
Otherwise, pricey.
Pin down with landscape staples.
Let's talk about BedsConsider the gardener's physical limitations:● Tall vs short● Children● Disabled access● Pets● Maturing Adults
CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL OPTIONS
What will you make your beds out of?
Is this a temporary space or permanent space?● Renters● Borrowers● Owners - How long will you
own?● Money considerations
Railroad Ties● Beware of toxicity in some● Really old ties are better● Research new non-toxic
types● Great website on tie designs
(will send in Links List)
RedwoodNew ● Rough cut vs. Smooth Sides smooth ● Lumber yard vs. private mill● Cost per lineal foot:
4"x4" redwood post: $2.89 per foot
8 foot RW post = $23.12
Pro-Build Felton Big Creek Santa Cruz
2 x 6 $1.66 $1.59 (S) or $1.87 (RC)
2 x 8 $2.90 $2.60 (S) or $2.49 (RC)
2 x 10 3.69 $3.25 (S) - no RC2 x 12 $4.55 $3.87 (S) or $3.74 (RC)
Cost for 4 foot x 12 foot Redwood Beds
Made out of 2"x6" Redwood: Cheapest lineal foot = $1.59Doublestack, so bed is 12" high: 4 boards that are 12 feet long (2 boards each side). Then need 4 boards that are 4 feet long (2 boards each end). Need 64 lf = $101.76Then need 4 lf of corner 4"x4" posts = $11.56Total lumber price: $113.32
Made out of 2"x12" Redwood: Cheapest lineal foot = $3.74.Don't need doublestack. Don't need corner post. Simpler construction. Need 2 boards that are 12 feet long (1 board each side) and 2 boards that are 4 feet long (1 board each end). Need 32 lf = $119.68 (total lumber price)
Craigslist Special
This Ad from Today’s Craigslist:
2x6 Redwood Con Common Decking - New Lumber $1.25 per foot from private miller in Aptos. Full dimension (rough cut)
2x6 8 footer $10 ea2x6 12 footers $15 ea
CALL (831) 334-2169
Trex Deckaka Composite Decking - made from plastics
Durable, will last longer than redwood
Can be cheap if purchased used.
Ad on CL for overstock: $1.99 lf (NEW).
Used ad: $1.25 cents per lf
Terracing a Slope
● Use bricks or blocks under the down-slope edges of raised beds
● Soil will not run out of the gaps
on the ends ● Or terrace the foundation soil for
the raised beds
Now that you've got your Beds, What to Fill them With?
NATIVE SOIL CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Amend and screen2. Soil test3. Know your source!
Purchased Top Soil
● Buy by the yard● Sun-Land in bulk● Beware of local
rockeries● Check out soil before
buying● Beware of “off” smells
and too sandy or too “mulchy”
Top Soil in Bags
We recommend Gardner & Bloome45% Planting Mix
45% Raised Bed Mix10% Harvest Supreme
Formula for Yards Needed
L' x W' x H' 27 = number of yards needed
Example: To fill a 4' x 12' x 8" bed First, convert the 8" to feet 8/12 = .67
Second, multiply 4 x 12 x .67 = 32.16
Third, divide 32.16/27 = 1.2 yards to fill bed
Yards of Soil Needed
Online calculator: www.mycalculators.com/ca/landmatm.html
One yard of soil (or mulch) will cover:
324 sq ft 1" depth
162 sq ft 2" depth
108 sq ft 3" depth
81 sq ft 4" depth
65 sq ft 5" depth
54 sq ft 6" depth
To control weeds inside the bed
If you're not double-digging,lay down cardboard andthen fill with soil.
Cardboard will erode slowerthan weeds can regrow.
Works effectively on lawnsas well.
Don't sell yourself short
Add soil all the way to the tip top of your garden beds.
You want the full depth of soil for great root formation.
Be mindful of soil compressing over time. May need to top off between plantings.
Building a Lumber-Sided Bed like OursSimple construction 2” x 12” or stacked 2” x 6”
End pieces placed on inside of long side pieces for stability and extra width
Screw in with 3.5" deck screws
Add an inside corner post when stacking
Laying out Your Design
Software - possible but can be impractical and tricky
Recommend: garden hose lay out or stake and twine
First: measure available space and see how many beds at desired width (4 feet) you can get with a 2 to 3 foot path.Lengths of your bed will vary depending on availability.
Try to fit in more beds rather than losing space. Example:
Your available length is 23 feet. Put in two beds each 10 feet in length with a path 3 feet between. This is preferable to one 20 foot bed or one 12 foot bed and one 8 foot bed.
Garden Hose Method
Lay out shapes and rectangles and then walk around to get a feel for movement and utility.
Stake and Twine
Not enough garden hose?
Stake and twine.
You can reposition if you don’t like it!
Note this is how you start if you do not want to have “hardscape” sides to your beds.
Last Tips and Tricks
● All beds don't have to be symmetrical● All beds don't have to run north to south. Fit in what fits, even
if some are east west.● Don't be afraid to have narrower beds than 4 feet wide.● The best soil equals the best results.● If you have a large space, do a section at a time.● Don't procrastinate.
Annual Spring Tomato Plant Sale with Peppers & Eggplants
March 26 to May 30
Location: Ivy's Porch 5311 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley
Available for Sale Today
● Jams & Pickles
● G&B Amendments & Fertilizers
● Knee pads (our favorite!)
● Saboten clippers