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Eugene,OR

I'm considering growing a few plants in areas 20' wide x 16'long that are raised 16' above the normal soil level. I would leave the "far end" of the bed open for the mail to grow out. I have clay soil with ammendments on top, but want to create a deeper soil bed above the clay. This will make it so I have at least a 2' (probably 2.5') in soil depth before the clay layer. Has anyone done this before? If so, how were your results?

3/22/2008 11:51:33 AM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

I did this for a client a couple yrs ago. I t was so the wheel chair could get through and the guy could garden.

It worked great. Drainage was the biggest problem, the path ways would have water from the excess run off. He did have a minor problem with bindweed(If you dont know what it is I will send u some) But it worked well.

What well you be using for a retaining wall wood or blocks. If it is wood, remember they used to use arsnic in the preserving proces(banned since 2003) but something to consider.
hope this helps
capt

3/22/2008 8:29:38 PM

Nikiski, Alaska 99635

Good idea Russ, it could only help, especially if your soil is slow to drain. I have to grow on a raised bed in Alaska due to the cold ground conditions, not only does it help warm the soil, it allows for good drainage through the above ground soil and the ability to have a deeper soil base.

3/22/2008 9:53:09 PM