The cost to build the raised boxes for my needs is prohibitive at this time of year. That said, I will calculate my costs for the front of the house. Hmm, the more I think about it, the better I like it. Now for the costs. BTW, thank you for your response.
What about straw bale gardening? There's a book I've been meaning to buy that's all about Making raised beds out of straw bales. The bales break down into compost after use.
Excellent idea!
What watt bulb would I need in the brooder lamp to keep the nipple waterer from freezing?
use a aquarium heater..... you just need to keep above freezing just have it plugged in when ever the temps get to freezing. Or put the waterer in the coop and when the coop is closed up with birds it is rare to get to freezing unless you have a all wire(open) side.