Garden beds raised up off of the ground?

[K9Dave]

I have some small plants on tables right now that are getting started. I plant to section off a part of the yard for my garden (I'm trying a Straw Bale garden this year) because my chickens Free Range as well. I will build a small chicken tractor to let them help with weeding and bugs I think.

 

[RichnSteph]

I remember reading about this a while ago. Some searching and I found the article again.

http://www.countrysidemag.com/94-5/gardening_is_easier_with_tables_and_tanks/

That is a great link for what I envision. We don't want 100' for garden..... yet. *laugh* Thank you!

 

[lularat]

I have raised beds, but not on stands. I first broke up the soil and chopped it prior to putting my bed on it. Then i filled the beds up with garden soil, some peat moss, added a little chicken compost, then mixed it well. I have 4 beds that are 4' x 4' and approximately 10" high. The 10" is fine since I turned the soil beneath the beds first so they would have more depth. I have some very nice cabbage, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes growing now and plan on some more beds later on.

 

[sepaditty1]

I'm just starting a garden for the first time. Our yard floods frequently, so we are building a raised bed. I'd love some input.

So far we've tilled the area. Tomorrow cement blocks are being delivered. My plan is to make a border with the blocks. They are 8" tall, so I think that should keep the water out.

Then I'm going to fill the frame with soil mixed with chicken poo. Then I should be ready to plant.

Am I missing anything? Ideas? Comments?

 

[K9Dave]

Is your chicken poo composted or fresh?

 

[moms3cuties]

Is your chicken poo composted or fresh?

Does it matter if it's fresh or composted? What the difference?
I would think dry ck poop is composted?

... what's the real truth here? Thanks in advance!

 

[K9Dave]

I'm not sure if it matters or not. Maybe someone with more knowledge than me will chime in. I THINK that maybe it needs to be composted first or it may burn. Not sure, but I know some people say this happens. I'm starting a little compost pile in the chicken run right now.

 

[JSossong]

@sepaditty1 Sounds like you've got it covered. The key to a good garden is the soil. It should be rich and nutritious. And it sounds like yours will be! Good luck with your first garden!

 

[K9Dave]

@sepaditty1
 Sounds like you've got it covered. The key to a good garden is the soil. It should be rich and nutritious. And it sounds like yours will be! Good luck with your first garden! 

What's your opinion on the poop question? To compost or not to. Does it matter?

 

[JSossong]

@K9Dave I'm not quite sure either! You should definitely compost chicken poop.

As far as adding it into your garden- I'm not sure that it matters if it's fresh or already broken down by composting when you add it. I would say composted but then again, before we plant in our garden we mix in a bunch of cow manure and it's not always super fresh but sometimes is- we also do this a week or two before we plant.

I would say to use dried/composted chicken poop in the garden just to be safe. Or use fresh and let it sit for a bit before planting.

Sorry I can't be of more help!