CORRECTING A DESIGN FLAW

When the donation garden area of the Community Garden was extended in 2022, the end row of raised beds was used as the border.  With the installation of the deer fencing, this made the two corner beds inaccessible from two sides, meaning the only way to maintain the beds was to step into them - an ill-advised practice in gardening.  And with the crop rotation sometimes requiring a trellis in the beds, it was impossible to fully control the weeds.

 

Now that those beds are harvested and empty, a design change was implemented.  A 30" walkway was created outside the current fencing, with 4"x4" posts placed at a depth of 2' along what would be the new fence line.  These posts were then bordered with 2"x6" lumber, and new deer fencing secured to the posts and lumber.  

With the removal of the old deer fencing (which will be reused when fencing repairs are needed), the beds are now accessible on three of their four sides, making for easier maintenance.  Gardener Steve, who has helped with other garden projects, was once again on hand to help out.

Some final work needs to be done - wood chips put down on the walkway, the weed control cloth re-secured to the outside with wood chips to cover and some needed weeding completed (when is weeding ever completed!).

Taking advantage of the help from Steve, an additional 6" of lumber was installed on the two corner beds.  The goal is to eventually make all raised beds at least 30" high, but with the price of lumber and soil the work will be spread over the next five years.

Garlic has been shipped, so in 3-4 weeks it will go in the ground.  Also to be planted in early November are more spring flower bulbs for the orchard.  Before you know it, the garden will be asleep under feet of snow!